In a significant diplomatic move, Norway, along with Ireland and Spain, has announced its decision to recognize an independent Palestinian state, aiming to foster peace with Israel. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere of Norway made this announcement on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of this step towards resolving the longstanding conflict in the region.
Sources revealed that Ireland and Spain will also follow suit in recognizing the Palestinian state. Additionally, European Union members Slovenia and Malta have signaled their intention to join in the recognition, underscoring the belief that a two-state solution is essential for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Stoere stressed the urgency of maintaining hope for peace amid the ongoing conflict, stating, “In the middle of a war, with tens of thousands of dead and injured, we must keep alive the only thing that can provide a safe home for both Israelis and Palestinians: two states that can live in peace with each other.”
Prior to this announcement, 143 out of 193 member-states of the United Nations had already recognized a Palestinian state. European countries have approached the issue with varying strategies, with some, like Sweden, having recognized Palestine a decade ago, while others, like France, await conditions that could facilitate progress towards peace before making a similar move.
These developments come at a critical time as Israeli forces continue assaults on the northern and southern edges of the Gaza Strip, leading to a new exodus of hundreds of thousands of people and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis with restricted aid flow, heightening the risk of famine.
Norway, a non-EU member, has long maintained that it would recognize Palestine as a country only if it could contribute positively to the peace process, aligning with the stance of the United States on the issue. As a close ally of the U.S., Norway has actively engaged in efforts to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians over the past few decades.
