Spain, Ireland, and Norway Move to Recognize Palestinian State Amidst Ongoing Conflict
As Israeli forces intensify their attacks on the Gaza Strip, three European countries—Spain, Ireland, and Norway—have announced their official recognition of Palestine as a state. This collaborative move aims to catalyze peace by supporting a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine can coexist. The announcements were made during press conferences held by Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg on the 22nd of May.
Irish Prime Minister Varadkar highlighted the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, who are enduring severe suffering, hardship, and hunger due to ongoing Israeli attacks. He emphasized that lasting peace can only be ensured through the free will of free people, marking the beginning of Ireland's formal process to recognize Palestine as a state. Similarly, Sánchez and Solberg reiterated their respective countries' commitment to this recognition, with the actual approval expected on May 28th.
Spain’s Prime Minister Sánchez expressed that the collective decision by Spain, Ireland, and Norway is intended to place themselves on 'the right side of history' amidst the Gaza war, which has already claimed over 35,000 lives, half of whom are children. This stance seeks to empower the Palestinian Authority for future negotiations, differentiating it from extremist groups like Hamas, which Sánchez labeled as a terrorist organization that has no place in Palestine’s future.
However, the move has been met with strong opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who maintains that Israel must manage Gaza's security to prevent it from becoming a perpetual threat. Netanyahu criticized the decision, which he views as undermining Israeli sovereignty, and has called for diplomatic consultations in response.
This recent recognition adds to the list of more than 140 countries that acknowledge Palestine as a state. The European nations’ coordinated effort is expected to further intensify international pressure on Israel. Other countries in Europe and beyond are reportedly considering similar actions, signaling a growing diplomatic shift.
Prime Minister Sánchez has denounced the ongoing violence in Gaza and criticized Netanyahu’s policies, which he argues are jeopardizing the two-state solution essential for lasting peace. Sánchez urged the international community to act consistently on human rights issues, referencing both Ukraine and Palestine as examples. He emphasized that the recognition of Palestine by Spain is part of a broader European election campaign, making it a significant issue for his party, PSOE, ahead of the June 9 elections.
- Leaders from Ireland, Spain, and Norway have coordinated this recognition to spearhead a unified European stance, hoping to set a precedent for other countries. This move also holds historical significance for Spain, given Norway’s previous attempts at mediating peace processes in the region.
- Internally, Sánchez has coordinated with Spain's second vice president and leader of Sumar, Yolanda Díaz, to ensure political alignment. The Spanish government has openly stated that this decision does not require a parliamentary vote, underscoring its executive authority on foreign policy matters.
- Despite potential diplomatic fallout with Israel, Spain’s government has framed this decision within a broader humanitarian effort. Sánchez has condemned Israeli bombings of civilian infrastructure and critiques what he sees as double standards when addressing international conflicts.
- Sánchez’s statements reflect a long-standing position that Spain has a moral and historical obligation to the Palestinian people, echoing broader sentiments within the European Union about addressing long-standing UN resolutions and international justice.
