Norway : “The Norwegian government has decided that Norway will recognise Palestine as a state,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Norway recognised the state of Palestine in a highly symbolic move that is expected to be followed by Ireland and possibly other countries later in the day.
“In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike: two states, living side by side, in peace and security.”
Israel responded by recalling its ambassadors from Norway and Ireland, in protest at what Foreign Minister Israel Katz described as “Irish-Norwegian stupidity parade”. Israeli politicians claim that recognition will embolden Hamas.
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,” Mr Katz said on X ahead of Ireland’s planned announcement.
Mr Katz threatened to do the same should Spain also recognise a Palestinian state.
Norway’s formal recognition of Palestine as a state will enter into force on May 28. “A number of other like-minded European countries will also formally recognise Palestine on that same date,” said Mr Store.
Recognition is a “means of supporting the moderate forces which have been losing ground in this protracted and brutal conflict,” he said.
“It also sends a strong message to other countries to follow the example of Norway and a number of other European countries and recognise the state of Palestine. This could ultimately make it possible to resume the process towards achieving a two-state solution and give it renewed momentum.”
