Falcon powers – Spain, Norway, and Ireland have officially announced the recognition of the Palestinian state, a move that will take effect on May 28 of this current year.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated that Norway will recognize Palestine as an independent state starting on May 28. Støre added that the purpose of the recognition is to establish a politically cohesive Palestinian state based on the Palestinian Authority, noting that a two-state solution is in Israel’s interest.
He emphasized that the only alternative that provides a political solution for both Israelis and Palestinians is two states living side by side in peace and security.
The Norwegian Prime Minister said the war in Gaza made it clear that achieving peace and stability must be based on resolving the Palestinian issue.
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that the Palestinian and Israeli authorities have been informed of the government’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine.
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that his country will recognize the Palestinian state on May 28. Sánchez said “We are a peaceful people, and this is shown by the thousands of protesters demonstrating against the Gaza massacres”, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of continuing to destroy Gaza and endangering the two-state solution.
In Ireland, Prime Minister Micheál Martin said Dublin will recognize the State of Palestine, adding that he expects other countries to join Ireland, Spain, and Norway in taking this step in the coming weeks.
The three leaders of the coalition government, Prime Minister Simon Harris, Foreign Minister Michael Martin, and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, held a press conference in front of the government building to announce the decision.
Harris stressed that the Palestinian people deserve a future full of hope and peace, affirming that “there is no future for the extremist version of Zionism that fuels settler violence and land seizures.”
The Irish Prime Minister added that “there can be no peace without equality, and it is important that our decision is not misinterpreted.”
In contrast, Israel summoned its ambassadors in Ireland and Norway “for emergency consultations” after these two countries moved towards recognizing the State of Palestine.
