Watan-In a historic move, Norway, Ireland, and Spain officially announced their recognition of the state of Palestine.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the government would recognize an independent Palestinian state on Tuesday, May 28th.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the decision would take effect on the same day, May 28th.
They added that recognizing Palestine sends a strong message to other countries to follow Norway and several other European countries in recognizing the state of Palestine.
They noted that this decision ultimately allows for the resumption of the two-state solution process and gives it new momentum.
Irish Prime Minister stated, “We are confident that more countries will join us in this step.”
Comment from Palestine
The Palestinian Authority welcomed this decision, while Tel Aviv summoned its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway for consultations.
Hamas issued a statement welcoming Norway, Ireland, and Spain’s recognition of Palestine, considering it an important step towards consolidating their rights to their land and establishing their independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
They urged countries around the world to recognize their legitimate national rights and support the Palestinian people’s struggle for liberation, independence, and the end of Zionist occupation of their land.
Reaction from Israel
Israel responded by withdrawing its ambassadors from the three countries for consultations and summoning the ambassadors of the same countries after this move.
Disengagement in the Northern West Bank
Israeli Finance Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he does not intend to transfer tax funds to the Palestinian Authority anymore until further notice. Lieberman also decided to permanently revoke permits for senior Palestinian Authority officials and impose additional financial sanctions on them.
This comes as the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Galant, announced the full repeal of the disengagement law in the entire northern West Bank, as reported by the Israeli army radio.