Spain, Ireland and Norway recognise Palestinian state

 Other countries are expected to follow suit in the coming weeks, says Irish prime minister

By MEE staff

Published date: 22 May 2024 08:43 BST | Last update: 25 mins 8 secs ago

Spain, Ireland and Norway recognise the state of Palestine, the three countries said on Wednesday.

"Today, Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine," Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said at a news conference.

Harris added that other countries are expected to join the trio in the coming weeks.

"Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that his country's cabinet would recognise an independent Palestinian state on Tuesday.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also said his country's official recognition of Palestine will take effect on the same day.

In response, Israel's foreign ministry said it ordered an immediate recall of its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway.

Israel in November recalled its ambassador to Spain after Sanchez accused it of violating international humanitarian law in its war on Gaza.

Two-state solution

During the news conference, Harris said that he viewed the two-state solution as the only viable pathway for peace and security for the peoples of Israel and Palestine.

He added that Wednesday's decision holds particular significance for his country, given its history of independence. 

"Taking our place on the world stage and being recognised by others as having the right to be there was a matter of the highest importance for the founders of our state," he said.

Harris called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of captives and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.

"Children are innocent, the children of Israel, the children of Palestine. They deserve peace," he said.

"It is long past time for a ceasefire," he added. "There should be no further military incursion into Rafah. There should be no more Hamas or Hezbollah rockets fired at Israel."

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said denounced the decision.

"Israel will not be silent," Katz said. "We are determined to achieve our goals: restoring security to our citizens and the removal of Hamas and the return of the hostages."

This is a developing story...

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