Spain, Norway, and Ireland have formally recognized the state of Palestine, a move hailed by Palestinian authorities and sharply condemned by Israel.
The recognition, described as a major boost to the Palestinian cause, adds to the growing list of 144 countries that have already acknowledged Palestinian statehood.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the decision, emphasizing it as "the only route to peace" in the turbulent Middle East. "This is a matter of historical justice," Sanchez declared, stressing the need for a viable Palestinian state with the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor and East Jerusalem as its capital.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide confirmed that Norway's recognition took effect on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in Oslo's relationship with Palestine. Ireland is set to follow, with Prime Minister Simon Harris describing the recognition as a "practical action" to sustain the two-state solution as a viable path to peace.
Read more: How many countries now recognise Palestinian state?
The move has elicited a furious response from Israel. Foreign Minister Israel Katz lambasted Spain's Sanchez, accusing him of being a "partner to incitement" and contributing to what he termed the "genocide" of Jews. In retaliation, Israel has recalled its ambassadors from Spain, Norway, and Ireland, escalating diplomatic tensions.
This recognition by the three European nations has intensified the discord within the European Union regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While countries like Sweden, Cyprus, and Hungary have previously recognized Palestine, major players such as Germany and the United States continue to reject unilateral recognition, advocating instead for a negotiated settlement.
The international community remains deeply divided over the best approach to achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East. Proponents of the recognition argue that it is a crucial step towards a peaceful resolution, while critics contend that it undermines the peace process by circumventing direct negotiations between the parties involved.
