In a coordinated diplomatic move, Spain, Norway, and Ireland formally recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday. This action aims to increase international pressure on Israel to adjust its stance following last year’s Hamas-led attack. Israel condemned the recognition, which is not expected to immediately affect the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the decision in a televised address, describing it as “a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.” In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Spain on social media platform X, accusing Sánchez’s government of “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.” Ireland and Norway soon joined Spain in formalizing the decision they had jointly announced the previous week.
In Dublin, the Palestinian flag was raised outside Leinster House, the seat of Ireland’s parliament. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris told lawmakers, “I hope this sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that — in this their darkest hour — Ireland stands with them.” Harris emphasized that mere condemnation was insufficient, advocating for taking a stand: “We must be on the right side of history.”
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called the recognition “a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine,” highlighting Norway’s longstanding support for Palestinian statehood.
Though around 140 countries have recognized a Palestinian state, including over two-thirds of the United Nations members, major Western powers have not. The recognition by these three European countries is seen as a significant victory for Palestinian public opinion efforts and may pressure EU heavyweights like France and Germany to reconsider their positions.
Previously, only seven of the 27 EU member states recognized a Palestinian state, with most of these decisions dating back to 1988. Sweden joined this group in 2014.
The recognition has further strained EU-Israel relations. Spain has called for the EU to take measures against Israel for its ongoing military actions in southern Gaza, particularly in the city of Rafah.
Following an EU foreign ministers meeting on Monday, Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin noted an unprecedented discussion on potential sanctions against Israel. Irish Prime Minister Harris urged the EU to consider economic sanctions, stating, “Europe could be doing a hell of a lot more.”
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