Spain, Ireland, and Norway decide to recognise Palestine as a state

Ireland's prime minister, Simon Harris, said it was a joint decision between his country, Spain and Norway.

This historic decision sparked fierce opposition from Israel and joy from Palestinians. Israel immediately withdrew its ambassadors from Norway and Ireland.

These three countries reported one after another through media conferences on their decision to Palestine.

The first prime minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Sotor, said “could not have peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition”.

Gahr Store indicated that the Scandinavian state will officially recognise the Palestinian state on May 28th.

“Recognizing Palestine as a state, Norway supports the plan for Arab peace”, he said.

Several European Union countries have hinted in recent weeks that they intend to recognise Palestine, arguing that the solution to two states is essential to lasting peace in the region.

Norway, which is not a member of the European Union but follows its policies, has been an ardent supporter of the two-state settlement between Israel and Palestinians.

“Terrori was conducted by Hamas [declared a terrorist group by the US and the EU] and by militant groups, which are not supporters of the two-state settlement, and by the state of Israel”, the leader of the Norwegian government said.

“Palestina has the fundamental right to be an independent state”, he said. / REL/