DrNorway’s recognition of Palestine as a state has entered into force. Since midnight, Palestine has been considered an independent state by Norway, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed. Ireland and Spain also want to recognize Palestinian statehood today. This would give the two-state solution new impetus.
At the weekend, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide presented Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa at a meeting in Brussels with a document showing that Norway officially recognizes Palestine. This was previously officially confirmed by the King of Norway, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a meeting with colleagues from Spain and Ireland, Eide reiterated the decision: “With this recognition, we introduce new programs for the process that began with the Oslo Accords. “It is a second version of the vision of an independent Palestine,” he said. According to Eide, it could “give more impetus to a peace solution.” If more countries follow Norway’s model, the two-state solution is the only way to peace.
Many countries recognize Palestine as a state. However, this does not apply to the most influential Western countries such as the United States and Great Britain as well as the majority of the European Union countries. According to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Germany does not currently plan to recognize Palestine as its own state.
„Disgusting” video sparks outrage
The Israeli government responded angrily to this announcement. The ambassadors of the three European countries were summoned in Tel Aviv to the Israeli Foreign Ministry where they were photographed and shown video footage of the Hamas terror attack and kidnappings. On Friday, Israel announced restrictions on the work of Spanish diplomats in the country.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz also accused Spain over the weekend of rewarding terrorism by recognizing a Palestinian state. He posted a provocative video clip on the X platform with the caption, “Hamas thanks you for your commitment,” linking it to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albarez described the video as „scandalous” and „disgusting.”
The 18-second video shows footage of the Islamist group Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which is repeatedly interrupted by scenes of a couple dancing flamenco. The video reads in capital letters: “HAMAS: GRACIAS ESPAÑA” (“HAMAS: THANK YOU SPAIN”).
On Monday, Katz wrote on X Then reassuringly: “The Israeli and Spanish peoples are friendly peoples. We will not allow you to fire us,” he linked Sanchez to Spanish Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz.