Middle East
Norway, Ireland and Spain recognize Palestine as a state
Several states want to recognize Palestine as a state. photo
© Ashraf Amra/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Several European states are rushing ahead with the recognition of a state of Palestine. They want to promote the two-state solution. Israel sharply criticizes the advances and reacts promptly.
Norway, Ireland and Spain will be Recognize Palestine as a state. This was announced by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The move is scheduled to be formally completed on May 28th.
The recognition is “an expression of unreserved support for a two-state solution, the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, Palestine and their peoples,” said the Irish head of government.
“Palestinians have a fundamental, independent right to their own state. Both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in peace in separate states. There can be no peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution,” said a press release Norwegian government.
Sweden recognized Palestine as a state ten years ago. However, critics complain that the Palestinian territories lack important criteria for such a step. For example, the border between Israel and the Palestinians remains controversial. This also applies to the political status of East Jerusalem.
Direct reaction from Tel Aviv
Israel strictly rejects the recognition of Palestine and immediately recalled its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway. “I am sending a clear and unequivocal message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who undermine its sovereignty and endanger its security,” wrote Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on the X platform.
“Today’s decision sends a message to the Palestinians and the world: terrorism pays,” said Katz. This step is an injustice to the memory of the victims of October 7, when the Islamist Hamas carried out a massacre in Israel with its terror attack that killed more than 1,200 Israelis. “Israel will not remain silent – there will be further serious consequences,” wrote Katz.
No majority in Europe
The majority of the member states of the United Nations now recognize Palestine as a state. However, this does not apply to the most important Western nations such as the USA and the majority of EU states, including Germany, France and Great Britain. Germany is also committed to a two-state solution, but sees the recognition of Palestine as the result of direct negotiations between the parties to the conflict.
A state is a union of many people who live in a specific, demarcated area. A state has usually grown over a long period of time, and its citizens are linked by the same nationality. This community is called the nation. The area in which the nation lives is the national territory. This also includes the airspace above it and a certain strip of sea off the coast. Sovereignty is also part of the state. This means independence from any other power. The state makes its own laws. It also has a certain form of rule and government. In Germany, for example, this is democracy.