Ireland, Norway, and Spain officially recognise Palestinian state

In a coordinated effort, Spain, Ireland, and Norway have officially recognized Palestinian state, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the move as “historic” and emphasized its goal: to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.

In a statement broadcast on television from Madrid, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared, “This is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.”

The recognition comes after international outrage over civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s offensive.

Israel’s response

Israel condemned the diplomatic move, considering it a “reward for terrorism.” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, swiftly slammed Spain on X, accusing Sánchez’s administration of “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes”.

Ireland and Norway soon joined Spain in formalising a decision stated jointly the previous week.

The Palestinian flag was flown outside Ireland’s parliament, Leinster House, in Dublin.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris informed MPs in the Irish parliament following his Cabinet’s formal approval of the decision, “I hope (this) sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that — in this their darkest hour — Ireland stands with them.”

“It is no longer enough just to condemn. It is no longer enough just to be repulsed”, he continued. “We must be on the right side of history.”

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement that “for more than 30 years, Norway has been one of the greatest proponents for a Palestinian state. Today, when Norway officially recognises Palestine as a state, marks a milestone in the connection between Norway and Palestine”.

While about 140 countries—more than two-thirds of the United Nations—have recognised a Palestinian state, none of the major Western nations have done so. Nonetheless, the inclusion of three European countries in the alliance is a triumph for Palestinian public opinion initiatives, and it is expected to put pressure on European Union heavyweights France and Germany to reconsider their positions.

Prior to this decision, only seven EU countries officially recognized a Palestinian state. The joint recognition by Spain, Ireland, and Norway may encourage other EU nations to follow suit and deepen Israel’s isolation.

While the recognition won’t immediately change conditions on the ground, it enhances the Palestinians’ international standing and puts pressure on Israel to engage in negotiations. It also highlights the Middle East issue ahead of European Parliament elections.

Relations between the EU and Israel have deteriorated due to the diplomatic recognition by two EU members. Ireland’s Foreign Minister Micheál Martin even discussed the possibility of sanctions against Israel during an EU meeting.

Norway, though not an EU member, aligns its foreign policy with the bloc. It handed diplomatic papers to the Palestinian government before its formal recognition.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell supported the International Criminal Court’s efforts to seek an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders.

The recognition comes after more than seven months of conflict following the October 7 Hamas-led attack, which resulted in civilian casualties and hostages.

Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez laid out his vision for a Palestinian state connected by a corridor with East Jerusalem as its capital. He emphasized rejecting Hamas and focusing on a two-state solution.

Ireland plans to appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in Ramallah, while Norway will upgrade its diplomatic office in the West Bank to an embassy. Spain will maintain its consulate in Jerusalem, despite Israel’s objections.

Long-standing Aspiration

The Palestinians have long sought an independent state in Gaza, the West Bank, and east Jerusalem, which Israel took during the 1967 Mideast war. The concept of a land corridor connecting Gaza and the West Bank via Israel was considered in earlier rounds of peace talks, but no meaningful or substantive peace talks have occurred in more than 15 years.

The recognition by these European countries adds legitimacy to their struggle.

Sánchez clarified that they would not recognize changes in the 1967 borderlines other than those agreed upon by the parties.

“Furthermore, this decision reflects our absolute rejection of Hamas, a terrorist organisation, who is against the two-state solution,” stated Sánchez. “From the outset, Spain has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks of October 7. This clear condemnation is the resounding expression of our steadfast commitment in the fight against terrorism. I would like to underline that starting tomorrow, we would focus all our efforts to implement the two-state solution and make it a reality.”

Ireland’s government indicated it would appoint an ambassador and establish a full embassy in Ramallah, West Bank.

Norway plans to expand its diplomatic post in the West Bank to an embassy. Spain has stated that it will maintain the consulate in Jerusalem for the time being, despite Israel’s assertion that the consulate will not be permitted to serve Palestinians.

Barth Eide, Norway’s foreign minister, adding on Tuesday that “it is regrettable that the Israeli government shows no signs of engaging constructively”.

“The recognition is a clear expression of support for moderate forces in both countries,” Norway’s top diplomat stated.

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