Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced on Wednesday that Norway will officially recognize an independent Palestinian state, aiming to facilitate peace with Israel. Ireland and Spain are also expected to make similar declarations, according to sources.
Other European Union members, such as Slovenia and Malta, have recently signaled their intentions to recognize Palestine, emphasizing the necessity of a two-state solution for enduring peace in the region.
Støre emphasized the importance of maintaining hope for a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, particularly amid ongoing conflict. He stressed the significance of two states living harmoniously alongside each other.
Prior to these announcements, 143 out of 193 United Nations member-states had already recognized Palestine as a sovereign state.
European nations have approached the recognition of Palestine differently, with Sweden having done so a decade ago, while France remains hesitant unless it can significantly advance the peace process.
These decisions come amidst escalated tensions, with Israeli forces conducting assaults in various parts of the Gaza Strip in May, resulting in mass displacement and severe humanitarian crises.
Norway, a non-EU member, has historically conditioned its recognition of Palestine on its potential to positively impact peace negotiations, aligning with similar sentiments expressed by the United States.
As a close ally of the U.S., Norway has actively sought to mediate peace between Israel and Palestine over the past few decades.
