The recognition of the state of Palestine
The government of Norway announced today the recognition of the state of Palestine, a decision that comes after weeks of contacts led by Spain and Ireland to try to get support within the European Union itself for the materialization of the solution of the two states (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/). This resolution comes at a high point in the conflict, after more than seven months of Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip, in response to the attacks by Hamas on October 7.
Joint action with Spain and Ireland
Shortly after Norway’s announcement, Ireland has also announced its recognition of Palestine as a State on May 28 (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/). This joint action with Spain and Norway aims to achieve permanent peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris has declared that this is a historic day for Ireland and Palestine, and has highlighted the importance of freedom and justice as fundamental principles of international law.
The importance of the two-state solution
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has stated that there can be no peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution, and that the recognition of Palestine is part of that solution (https://www.softcatala .org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/). Norway believes that this is the only viable solution to the Middle East conflict.
Other countries that have recognized Palestine
In addition to Ireland and Norway, other countries such as Malta, Slovenia, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Bahamas have also recognized Palestine as a State. These decisions have drawn criticism from Israel, which has refused to recognize Palestine, thus hindering the possibility of an agreement.
Upcoming recognitions
We hope that Spain will also announce its recognition of the state of Palestine in the near future, along with other member countries of the United Nations.