Palestine

2024 - 5 - 22

Ireland, Norway, and Spain Recognize Palestine: A Bold Move or a Risky Decision?

Ireland - Israel - Norway - Palestine - Spain

Find out why Ireland, Norway, and Spain recognizing Palestine is causing a stir in the region. Will it lead to peace or further tension?

In a surprising turn of events, Ireland, Norway, and Spain have announced their decision to officially recognize the State of Palestine. This bold move has sparked controversy, with Israel condemning the decision, claiming it will not contribute to peace in the region and accusing the countries of playing into Hamas's hands. Despite the backlash, leaders like Juan Manuel Santos have praised the recognition, highlighting the symbolic significance of supporting Palestinian statehood.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's response was swift, recalling ambassadors from Ireland and Norway immediately after the announcement. The move has intensified tensions, with Netanyahu criticizing the decision as a 'reward' for Palestine. However, supporters argue that recognizing Palestine sends a powerful message of solidarity and support to the Palestinian people.

Interestingly, Spain's recognition of Palestine, though largely symbolic, holds significant importance. It signifies a shift in diplomatic relations and could have far-reaching implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With 143 countries already recognizing Palestine, including the recent additions of Ireland, Norway, and Spain, the momentum for Palestinian statehood continues to grow.

As public opinion and diplomatic stances evolve, the recognition of Palestine by key countries like Ireland, Norway, and Spain reflects a changing dynamic in the Middle East. Despite Israel's disapproval, the international community's support for Palestinian statehood remains steadfast, paving the way for potential breakthroughs in the long-standing conflict.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Ireland, Norway and Spain to recognise Palestinian state (BBC News)

Israel says the move will not create peace in the region and is playing into Hamas's hands.

Ireland recognises the State of Palestine (Gov.ie)

Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Minister Eamon Ryan have announced that Ireland will recognise the State of Palestine, effective May ...

Juan Manuel Santos hails Spain, Ireland and Norway's recognition ... (The Elders)

This morning, Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognised the State of Palestine. Juan Manuel Santos , who as President of Colombia did the same in 2018, ...

Ireland, Norway and Spain recognise Palestine as independent state (Sky News)

Israel's foreign minister subsequently orders his country's ambassadors in Ireland and Norway to immediately return home, adding that Wednesday's decision ...

Israel recalls envoys as Spain, Ireland and Norway commit to ... (Financial Times)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video criticising the move, and calling the intention to recognise a Palestinian state a “reward for ...

The Triple Message in Spain's Recognition of Palestine (German Marshall Fund)

Spain's recognition of Palestinian statehood has symbolic rather than legal value, yet it sends an important signal at the right time to the Palestinians, ...

Ireland, Norway and Spain to recognise Palestine as independent ... (The Independent)

Israel recalls ambassadors for all three nations over what it calls a 'distorted step'

Spanish public opinion regarding the recognition of the State of ... (Real Instituto Elcano)

This Commentary analyses responses drawn from the 2024 Elcano Royal Institute Barometer (BRIE) in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Mapping which countries recognise Palestine in 2024 (Aljazeera.com)

The State of Palestine is recognised by 143 countries around the world. Norway, Spain and Ireland will join that list.

Ireland, Spain and Norway say they will recognize a Palestinian state (CNN)

The three European nations say their landmark decision is the best way to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East, but it sparked swift condemnation from ...

The impact of recognising a Palestinian state (BBC News)

Declarations by Ireland, Spain and Norway will put pressure on other countries in Europe.

Portugal wants maximum EU support possible for recognition of ... (EURACTIV)

Portugal's government remains committed to recognising Palestine as a state but is seeking the broadest possible consensus among EU members, according to ...

Norway's oil fund and its Israel-Palestine dilemma (Financial Times)

The protesters outside Norway's central bank last month were blunt: the world's largest sovereign wealth fund should sell out of Israel. Norway's $1.7tn oil ...

Why EU countries are split over recognising Palestine (Financial Times)

Also in this newsletter: putting sanctions on Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers.

OPCW Director-General meets Minister of Interior of the State of ... (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands—23 May 2023—The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Fernando Arias, ...