NEW DELHI: Norway, Ireland, and Spain on Wednesday recognized Palestine formally as a
state
, eliciting condemnation from Israel and jubilation from the Palestinians.
Norway
's Prime Minister
Jonas Gahr Støre
said that, “There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition.”
Gahr Støre said that the Scandinavian country will recognize a Palestinian state as of May 28.
“The terror has been committed by Hamas and militant groups who are not supporters of a two-state solution and the state of Israel,” the Norwegian government leader said.
Both the Palestinian Authority and its rival group Hamas welcomed the recognition of a Palestinian state by Ireland, Spain, and Norway. The Palestinian Authority governs the West Bank with limited self-rule, while Hamas controls Gaza.
Several European Union countries including Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and Malta have indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.
Norway, not a part of the European Union but mirroring its actions, strongly advocates for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
The Irish government said that it will also announce on Wednesday the recognition of a Palestinian state, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.
Norway is a close US ally, and the Nordic country has sought to help broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians on several occasions in recent decades.
Israel 'wars of severe consequences'
Israel's foreign minister, Israel Katz sent a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway stressing, "Israel will not remain silent."
Katz instructed the immediate recall of Israel's ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of this development.
"I have instructed the immediate recall of Israel's ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations in light of these countries' decisions to recognize a Palestinian state. I'm sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those undermining its sovereignty and endangering its security," he said in a post shared on X.
Israel recalls envoys to Ireland, Norway over Palestine recognition moves
Israel recalled its envoys from Ireland and Norway on Wednesday for "urgent consultations" ahead of the anticipated formal recognition of a Palestinian state by both governments.
"Today, I am sending a sharp message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not go over this in silence. I have just ordered the return of the Israeli ambassadors from Dublin and Oslo to Israel for further consultations in Jerusalem," foreign minister Israel Katz said in a statement.
"The hasty steps of the two countries will have further serious consequences. If Spain realises its intention to recognise a Palestinian state, a similar step will be taken against it."
The Israeli foreign minister said the moves by the European countries were a reward for Palestinian militant group Hamas and its unprecedented October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
"Ireland and Norway intend to send a message to the Palestinians and the whole world today: Terrorism pays," Katz said.
"The twisted step of these countries is an injustice to the memory of the 7/10 victims."
(With agency inputs)
English (US) ·