Ireland, Spain and Norway on Wednesday, declared their intention to recognise the Palestinian state on May 28, urging the other Western countries to do same, appealing Israel to remember its ambassadors.
Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, said the action was intended to increase attempts to achieve ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.
In a speech to the country’s lower house, he stated, “We hope that our recognition and our reasons contribute to other western countries to follow this path, because the more we are, the more strength we will have to impose a ceasefire, to achieve the release of the hostages held by Hamas, to relaunch the political process that can lead to a peace agreement.”
Israel initiated its war in Gaza following an attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and 250 hostages.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israel’s actions in the territory have led to the deaths of over 35,000 Palestinians.
Spain and its associates spent several months actively persuading European countries like France, Portugal, Belgium and Slovenia to endorse the recognition of the Palestinian state.
Irish Taoiseach, Simon Harris, at a press conference in Dublin said, “Today, Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that they recognise the state of Palestine, each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision.”
He further stated that Ireland firmly supports recognising Israel and its right to exist “securely and in peace with its neighbours.”
He also urged for the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza.
Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Store, in Oslo, said the only option for a political solution between Israelis and Palestinians is “two states living side by side in peace and security.”
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