3 EUROPEAN STATES RECOGNISE PALESTINE STATEHOOD

The leaders of Spain, Ireland and Norway have announced that they will formally recognise the state of Palestine on 28 May.

The three leaders made the announcements in their respective capitals. In Dublin, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris described the decision as ‘historic’ for his country and Palestine. He also announced that leaders of many other countries have indicated they would be taking similar steps soon.

From Madrid, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who had spent months touring European and West Asian states to garner support, said the decision is the ‘only way’ to achieve peace and security as Israel has occupied Palestine for almost 76 years. Spain has long had cultural ties to Arab countries.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced in Oslo that recognising a Palestinian state is essential for attaining regional peace.

The Israeli government is outraged at the three states’ decision. Tel Aviv has recalled its envoys to Ireland and Norway for what it termed as ‘urgent consultations,’ adding the ambassador to Spain would also be called back to Israel if the country followed suit.

As of 22 May, 142 of the United Nations’ 193 member states recognise Palestine.