Norway, Ireland, Spain to recognize Palestinian state

Norway, Spain, and Ireland will officially recognize Palestine as a state starting May 28, announced Prime Ministers Jonas Gahr Store, Pedro Sanchez, and Simon Harris on Wednesday, despite opposition from the Israeli government.

“Next Tuesday, May 28, Spain’s cabinet will approve the recognition of the Palestinian state,” Sanchez stated, criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies in the Gaza Strip for endangering the two-state solution with “pain and destruction.”

In a joint announcement with Oslo and Madrid, Harris declared, “Today, Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that we recognize the state of Palestine. This is a historic and significant day for Ireland and Palestine.”

In response, Israel has recalled its envoys from Ireland and Norway for “urgent consultations” ahead of these expected recognitions.

“Today, I am sending a strong message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent on this matter. I have just ordered the return of the Israeli ambassadors from Dublin and Oslo to Israel for further consultations in Jerusalem,” stated Foreign Minister Israel Katz.