Spain, Ireland, Norway to recognise Palestinian statehood on 28 May: What does it mean?

How do you bring peace to Palestine amid the Israel-Hamas war? For some, the answer has been the two-state solution . Based off this argument, European nations, Norway, Ireland and Spain, announced on Wednesday (22 May) that they will recognise Palestinian statehood on 28 May.

While Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition of a Palestinian state, Israel immediately announced it was recalling its envoys to Ireland and Norway for “urgent consultations”.

Spain, Norway and Ireland’s announcement

On Wednesday, it all began with Norway, whose Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said, “There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition.”

The PM said the ongoing war in Gaza had made it “abundantly clear” that achieving peace and stability must be predicated on resolving the Palestinian question. “In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike: Two states, living side by side, in peace and security,” Støre said.

He added that Oslo believed that a two-state solution was also in Israel’s “best interests”, and the formal move will take place on 28 May.

Norway’s foreign minister also posted on X about the country’s decision to “recognise Palestine as a state”. Espen Barth Eide said: “A two-state solution is the only viable pathway to peace for both Israel and Palestine.”

He added: “At this critical juncture, our recognition comes in support of the work towards a comprehensive plan for regional peace.”

Ireland’s prime minister Simon Harris too made a similar announcement, calling it “an historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine.” He said the move was intended to help move the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to resolution through a two-state solution.

He said a two-state solution was the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, Palestine and their peoples. The recognition of statehood has particular resonance in Ireland given its history, Harris said.

“Taking our place on the world stage and being recognised by others as having the right to be there was a matter of the highest importance for the founders of our state,” he said. He added that Ireland was unequivocal in fully recognising Israel and its right to exist “securely and in peace with its neighbours”, and he called for all hostages in Gaza to be immediately returned.

Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez in parliament said that Spain would recognise Palestine on 28 May. Amid applause, he said: “We are going to recognise Palestine for many reasons and we can sum that up in three words – peace, justice and consistency. “We have to make sure that the two-state solution is respected and there must be mutual guarantees of security.

“It is essential that the two sides negotiate for peace and it is for this reason that we recognise Palestine.”

He also said the time had come for concrete action. “Prime Minister Netanyahu is still turning a blind eye and bombing hospitals, schools, homes. He is still using hunger, cold and terror to punish more than a million innocent boys and girls – and things have gone so far that prosecutors at the international criminal court have this week sought his arrest for war crimes.”

He further added: “The two-state solution is in danger of never existing. We cannot allow this. We have an obligation to act. In Palestine like in Ukraine without double standards.

“This recognition is not against Israel, is not against the Jews. It is not in favour of Hamas which is something that has been said. This recognition is not against anyone, it is in favour or peace and coexistence.”

Israel and the world reacts

Shortly after the three European nations made the announcement, Israel ordered an immediate recall of its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway.

“Today, I am sending a sharp message to Ireland and Norway: Israel will not go over this in silence. I have just ordered the return of the Israeli ambassadors from Dublin and Oslo to Israel for further consultations in Jerusalem.

“The hasty steps of the two countries will have further serious consequences. If Spain realises its intention to recognise a Palestinian state, a similar step will be taken against it,” said Israel’s foreign minister Israel Katz.

On the other hand, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition of a Palestinian state and called on other countries to follow. He said the decision would enshrine “the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination” and support efforts to bring about a two-state solution with Israel.

The Palestine Liberation Organisation also hailed the decision as “historic”.

Palestinian militant group Hamas also welcomed the move, saying: “We consider this an important step towards affirming our right to our land.”

Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim was quoted as telling AFP that it was the “brave resistance” of the Palestinian people that spurred the move by the three European countries. “We believe this will be a turning point in the international position on the Palestinian issue.”

Implications of recognising Palestine statehood

Spain has historical ties with Israel and Palestine. In 1986, Spain established diplomatic relations with Israel. And in the years that followed, Madrid established itself as a mediator between Israel and the Arab world. For instance, the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference laid the groundwork for the 1993 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation. Similarly, Ireland’s support for an independent Palestine has deep historical roots.

Geopolitical analysts note that the move by Spain, Ireland and Norway amid the raging war doesn’t extend beyond symbolism. That’s because it is unclear how much of a difference the move by the three countries might make. Many note that the reality on the ground doesn’t change with Ireland, Norway and Spain’s move. As BBC reported, “It will not change the reality on the ground.”

Nevertheless, it is a significant accomplishment for Palestinians, as it legitimises their struggle even further.

Countries that already recognise Palestine

Spain, Ireland and Norway now join the list of countries that recognise Palestinian statehood. Of the 193 countries of the United Nations, 142 of them recognise a State of Palestine. These include many West Asian, African and Asian countries, but not the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan or South Korea.

Interestingly, it was Sweden in 2014 that became the first EU member in western Europe to recognise a Palestinian state. Israel’s then foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman had then reacted angrily, telling Sweden that “relations in the Middle East are a lot more complex than the self-assembly furniture of IKEA”.

Six other countries, including Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania, had recognised Palestinian statehood earlier.

Notably, the Israel-Hamas that began following the 7 October attacks, which has claimed over 35,000 lives, has revived support in Europe for Palestinian statehood. Slovenia has announced announced that it might recognise Palestine as a state by mid-June. EU member Malta may also provide its backing. In April, it also voted in favour of f ull membership for Palestine in the United Nations , but the initiative fell through due to a US veto.

France’s Emmanuel Macron in February asserted that the question of recognising a Palestinian state without a negotiated peace is no longer “a taboo for France”.

However, British foreign secretary David Cameron said no recognition of Palestine could come while Hamas remains in Gaza, but that it could happen while Israeli negotiations with Palestinian leaders were in progress.

With inputs from agencies