Norway, Ireland, Spain To Recognise Palestinian State in Historic Move

Norway has decided to recognize an independent Palestinian state, said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere on Wednesday. According to sources, Ireland and Spain are also expected to declare the recognition of a Palestinian state. Norway is a close US ally.

Other European Union members Slovenia and Malta have also hinted that they are also planning to recognize an independent Palestinian state with the hope that it will lead to lasting peace in the region.

“In the middle of a war, with tens of thousands of dead and injured, we must keep alive the only thing that can provide a safe home for both Israelis and Palestinians: two states that can live in peace with each other,” Norway Prime Minister Stoere told a press conference.

Before his announcement, 143 out of 193 member-states of the United Nations have recognised a Palestinian state.

Some European countries like Sweden recognised a Palestinian state a decade ago. But France has no plans to do so in near future.