Norway, Ireland, Spain Recognize Palestinian State

By Staff, Agencies

The leaders of Norway, Ireland and Spain have said their countries will formally recognize Palestine as a state for the sake of “peace in the Middle East”.

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Wednesday that a "two-state" solution was in “Israel’s” best interest, adding that the recognition would come as of May 28.

“There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition,” he said.

Shortly after Norway’s announcement, Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris said his country would also recognize a Palestinian state.

“Today, Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that we recognize the state of Palestine,” Harris said at a press conference. “Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision.”

“I’m confident that further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks,” he added.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday that the country’s council of ministers would also recognize an independent Palestinian state on May 28.

In response to the European countries’ move, “Israel’s” Foreign Minister Israel Katz has ordered the entity’s ambassadors from Ireland and Norway to immediately return to “Israel”.

“Ireland and Norway intend to send a message today to the Palestinians and the whole world: terrorism pays,” Katz said.