Norway recognises Palestinian state. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere has announced that Norway will officially recognize a Palestinian state, signaling a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy.
This decision aligns with recent developments in Europe where other nations are also moving towards recognizing Palestinian statehood.
A Shift in Policy:
Norway has historically tied its recognition of a Palestinian state to the potential for positive impacts on the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, a stance that mirrors the position of the United States.
The Norwegian government has played a role in peace efforts over the years, reflecting its close alliance with the U.S. and its commitment to diplomatic solutions in the Middle East.
Ireland and Spain Set to Follow:
Ireland is also expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state. Reports from national public broadcaster RTE and the Irish Times indicate that Irish leaders will make an official announcement at a scheduled news conference.
This move follows statements by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state, marking a coordinated effort by several European nations.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez revealed in March that Spain, along with Ireland, Slovenia, and Malta, had agreed to take steps towards recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a broader strategy to support a two-state solution.
This collective effort highlights the growing momentum within the EU to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through diplomatic recognition.
Israeli Concerns and International Reactions:
The Israeli government has strongly criticized these moves, arguing that recognizing a Palestinian state could embolden groups like Hamas and Iran, potentially exacerbating extremism and instability in the region.
Israel’s foreign ministry has issued warnings to Ireland, suggesting that such recognition could make Ireland a “pawn in the hands of Iran and Hamas.”
Despite these concerns, several countries, excluding US, have already recognized Palestinian statehood.
In 2014, Sweden became the first EU member in Western Europe to do so. Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania had recognized Palestine even earlier.
Context and Implications:
As Norway recognises Palestinian state, the recognition of a Palestinian state has long been seen as the culmination of a successful peace process between Palestinians and Israelis.
Traditionally, the United States and most Western European nations have maintained that Palestinian statehood should be preceded by a negotiated agreement addressing critical issues such as borders and the status of Jerusalem.
However, the recent conflict, sparked by Hamas’ attacks on October 7 and Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza, has prompted some diplomats to reassess previously contentious ideas.
According to official figures, the violence has resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides, with over 1,170 people killed in Israel and at least 35,647 people killed in Gaza.
“ l lived with fairytale about the Nakba I was raised with this idea that Israel was a land without a people.
Lily Greenberg the first Jewish political appointee to publicly resign in protest of U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/evw4FFwxop
— Abier (@abierkhatib) May 22, 2024
