Norway, Ireland, And Spain Recognize Palestine As A Country

JAKARTA - Three European countries namely Norway, Ireland and Spain have decided to recognize Palestine as a country and official recognition will take effect on May 28, 2024.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store invites to continue to liven up political solutions for Israel and Palestine, namely two countries, which coexist in peace and security, amid wars with tens of thousands of people killed and injured.

There will be no peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution. There is no two-state solution without a Palestinian state. In other words, the Palestinian state is a prerequisite for achieving peace in the Middle East," the Store said as quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Wednesday, May 22.

The Store said recognition of Palestine sent strong messages to other countries to emulate Norway and a number of other European countries and recognize Palestinian countries.

In addition, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris also announced his country officially recognizes the Palestinian state.

"This is a historic and important day for Ireland and Palestine," Harris told a news conference.

Harris believes other countries will join his side in taking the move. Harris added he had spoken to a number of leaders and colleagues, and believed more countries would join forces in taking this important step in the next few weeks.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said his country would recognize the Palestinian state next Tuesday (28/5).

Sanchez said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to listen to the international community, while continuing to bomb civilian infrastructure and block much-needed aid.

He said recognition of Palestine was not the end, but only the first step, and Spain would continue to pressure the international community to take action.

Following the country's decision, Belgian Development Cooperation Minister Caroline Gennez wrote on social media X that her country should also decide today to recognize the Palestinian state.

"I will make a request regarding this again today, in line with the coalition agreement. I rely on support from all colleagues. We must not miss this historic opportunity," he said.

Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Ministry announced the withdrawal of its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway over the decisions of the two countries.

More than 35,600 Palestinians were killed, most of whom were women and children, and nearly 79,900 others were injured.

More than seven months after Israel's war, much of Gaza's territory was destroyed by food blockades, clean water, and crippling medicines.

Israel is being prosecuted for committing genocide at the International Court, which ordered it to ensure its troops do not commit genocide, and take action to ensure that humanitarian aid is provided to civilians in Gaza.