In a new diplomatic move, Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, said Wednesday that his country will recognize a Palestinian state by May 28, confirming earlier reports. Norway is the first Western country to recognize a Palestinian state since October 7. "There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition", Støre added. Concurrently, both Irish and Spanish Prime Ministers have also announced that Ireland and Spain, respectively, will formally recognize an independent Palestinian state by May 28.
This decision comes after the United Nations General Assembly upgraded the status of the Palestinian mission to the organization to a level similar to a full-fledged member.
This development aligns with recent remarks made by the European Union's Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, who stated that on May 21 that Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and "other EU members" were likely to recognize a Palestinian state. Borrell characterized this as "a symbolic act, more than recognizing a state, it is recognizing the wish for that state to exist."
Ireland's forthcoming recognition of Palestinian statehood is part of a coordinated effort with other European nations. Sources indicate that the government in Dublin will formalize its decision during the next cabinet meeting while actively working to coordinate this move with additional countries across Europe.
The unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state by multiple European nations carries significant diplomatic implications and is expected to intensify the already complex dynamics of the ongoing Gaza war.
