Spain, Ireland and Norway recognize a Palestinian state. Why does that matter?
7 months ago

Spain, Ireland and Norway recognize a Palestinian state. Why does that matter?

Associated Press  

Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday, a step toward a long-held Palestinian aspiration that was fueled by international outrage over the civilian deaths and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s offensive. The joint decision by two European Union countries plus Norway, a nation with a strong diplomatic tradition in peacemaking, may generate momentum for the recognition of a Palestinian state by other EU countries and could spur further steps at the United Nations, deepening Israel’s isolation. The United States, Britain and other Western countries have backed the idea of an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel as a solution to the Middle East’s most intractable conflict, but they insist Palestinian statehood should come as part of a negotiated settlement. European Union countries Spain and Ireland as well as Norway announced Wednesday May 22, 2024 their recognition of a Palestinian state.

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History of this topic

Which countries recognise Palestine in 2024?
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Which countries recognise Palestine in 2024?

Al Jazeera  

The State of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign nation by 146 countries, representing 75 percent of United Nations member states. This year, amid Israel’s continuing war on Gaza, nine countries – Armenia, Slovenia, Ireland, Norway, Spain, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados – formally recognised the State of Palestine, reflecting growing international support. Following the announcement, more …

Europeans, Arab and Muslim nations launch a new initiative for an independent Palestinian state
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Europeans, Arab and Muslim nations launch a new initiative for an independent Palestinian state

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Espen Barth Eide told The …

What does it mean to recognise Palestinian statehood?
5 months ago

What does it mean to recognise Palestinian statehood?

Live Mint  

It is a step to “bring peace to the Middle East", according to Simon Harris, Ireland’s prime minister. View Full Image Graphic: The Economist In 1988 Yasser Arafat, the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, declared Palestine a state, with borders based on the land controlled by Arab countries on the eve of the Six Day War of 1967: before …

‘Against violence towards civilians’: Armenia recognises Palestinian state
6 months ago

‘Against violence towards civilians’: Armenia recognises Palestinian state

Al Jazeera  

Armenia has formally recognised a Palestinian state, the latest country to do so during the war in Gaza, prompting Israel to summon the Armenian ambassador. In announcing the move on Friday, Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Israel’s military conduct in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian group Hamas’s taking of captives. Reaffirming our commitment to int’l law &… pic.twitter.com/SoF7KLLGr7 …

Australia must recognise Palestine to promote peace
6 months, 1 week ago

Australia must recognise Palestine to promote peace

Al Jazeera  

Such a move would support the peace efforts, not undermine them, as some have argued. On May 29, a motion was presented to the lower house of the Australian parliament by the Greens to vote on whether Australia should follow Spain, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, and the overwhelming majority of the world’s nations in recognising Palestinian statehood, but it failed to …

Spain applies to join South Africa’s case at top UN court accusing Israel of genocide
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Spain applies to join South Africa’s case at top UN court accusing Israel of genocide

Associated Press  

BARCELONA, Spain — Spain became on Thursday the first European country to ask a United Nations court for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that by recognizing a Palestinian state, Sánchez’s government was “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.” Sánchez’s backing of the Palestinians …

Slovenia’s government endorses recognition of a Palestinian state, sends to parliament for approval
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Slovenia’s government endorses recognition of a Palestinian state, sends to parliament for approval

Associated Press  

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia — Slovenia’s government on Thursday endorsed a motion to recognize a Palestinian state and asked the parliament to do the same. Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he hoped the Slovenian parliament would reject the government decision. “The Slovenian government’s decision to recommend that the Slovenian Parliament recognize a Palestinian state rewards Hamas for murder, rape, mutilation of …

Slovenia’s government approves recognition of a Palestinian state
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Slovenia’s government approves recognition of a Palestinian state

Al Jazeera  

The government’s decision still requires the approval of the European Union member country’s parliament, which is set to vote on the motion on Tuesday. The Slovenian government has approved a decision to recognise an independent Palestinian state, Prime Minister Robert Golob said, following in the steps of Spain, Norway and the Republic of Ireland. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said …

Palestinian prime minister visits Madrid after Spain, Norway and Ireland recognize Palestinian state
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Palestinian prime minister visits Madrid after Spain, Norway and Ireland recognize Palestinian state

Associated Press  

BARCELONA, Spain — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and leading officials from several Middle Eastern countries in Madrid on Wednesday after Spain, Ireland and Norway recognized a Palestinian state. “On behalf of President Abbas and the government of Palestine, the people of Palestine, we warmly welcome Spain’s recognition of the state of Palestine,” …

The recognition of Palestine is undermined by support for harmful policies
6 months, 3 weeks ago

The recognition of Palestine is undermined by support for harmful policies

Al Jazeera  

Ireland, Norway and Spain’s recognition of Palestinian statehood is rendered meaningless by their backing for Arab normalisation and the Palestinian Authority. A Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research poll conducted in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and published in September 2023, just weeks before the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, found that 56 percent of Palestinians believed …

Israel-Hamas war: 145 UN member countries now recognise Palestinian state
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Israel-Hamas war: 145 UN member countries now recognise Palestinian state

Hindustan Times  

Israel's war in Gaza since the October 7 attack has revived a global push for Palestinians to be given a state of their own. Norway, Spain and Ireland on Tuesday became the latest countries to recognise a state of Palestine, breaking with the long-held view of Western powers that Palestinians can only gain statehood as part of a negotiated peace …

146 countries now recognise a Palestinian state
6 months, 3 weeks ago

146 countries now recognise a Palestinian state

The Hindu  

Israel’s war in Gaza since the October 7 attack has revived a global push for Palestinians to be given a state of their own. Their move, which has infuriated Israel, brings to 146 out of the 193 UN member states that have recognised a Palestinian state. Here is a quick recap of the Palestinians’ quest for statehood: 1988: Arafat proclaims …

Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widens
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widens

The Hindu  

Spain, Norway and Ireland moved to formally recognize a Palestinian state on May 28 in a coordinated effort by the three western European nations designed to add international pressure on Israel to soften its devastating response to last year’s Hamas-led attack. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told his nation in a televised address from Madrid that “this is a historic …

Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widens
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widens

Associated Press  

BARCELONA, Spain — Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday in a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations to add international pressure on Israel to soften its response to last year’s Hamas-led attack. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a televised address from Madrid that “this is a historic decision that has a …

Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widens
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widens

LA Times  

The Palestinian flag flies outside Leinster House, Dublin, following the decision by the government to formally recognize the Palestinian state on Tuesday. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a televised address from Madrid that “this is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz …

EU states announce formal recognition of Palestinian state
6 months, 3 weeks ago

EU states announce formal recognition of Palestinian state

Al Jazeera  

The establishment of a Palestinian state is “the only route to peace” in the Middle East, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said as his country announced formal recognition, alongside Norway and Ireland. Spanish government spokesperson Pilar Alegria announced that the cabinet had “adopted an important decision to recognise a Palestinian state”, which had “one objective: to help Israelis and …

Spain, Norway and Ireland will formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Here's why that matters
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Spain, Norway and Ireland will formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Here's why that matters

India TV News  

In a move that signals a deepening rift between the European Union and Israel, the countries of Spain, Norway and Ireland are moving to formally recognise a Palestinian state on Tuesday, marking a step towards long-held Palestinian aspiration that has been fuelled by international outrage over mounting civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in the course of the …

Ireland, Norway and Spain recognise Palestine. What has that changed?
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Ireland, Norway and Spain recognise Palestine. What has that changed?

Al Jazeera  

Now 146 out of 193 UN members recognise Palestine, but what does that mean for Palestinians? Given Ireland’s and Spain’s European Union memberships, it is also hoped the move will put the status of Palestine firmly on the agenda during the June 6-9 EU elections. Ireland’s, Norway’s and Spain’s moves to recognise Palestine brings the total number of states doing …

EU and Israel in war of words as ties nosedive ahead of Spain, Ireland recognising Palestinian state
6 months, 3 weeks ago

EU and Israel in war of words as ties nosedive ahead of Spain, Ireland recognising Palestinian state

The Hindu  

Relations between the European Union and Israel took a nosedive on May 27, the eve of the diplomatic recognition of a Palestinian state by EU members Ireland and Spain, with Madrid insisting that sanctions should be considered against Israel for its continued deadly attacks in southern Gaza's city of Rafah. It's too important.” Angry words abounded Monday, with Mr. Katz …

Relations between EU and Israel plummet as Spain, Ireland prepare to recognize a Palestinian state
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Relations between EU and Israel plummet as Spain, Ireland prepare to recognize a Palestinian state

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Relations between the European Union and Israel took a nosedive Monday, the eve of the diplomatic recognition of a Palestinian state by EU members Ireland and Spain, with Madrid insisting that sanctions should be considered against Israel for its continued deadly attacks in southern Gaza’s city of Rafah. Angry words abounded, with Katz accusing Spain of “rewarding terror” …

EU foreign chief says Israel must respect UN court, control settler violence in the West Bank
6 months, 4 weeks ago

EU foreign chief says Israel must respect UN court, control settler violence in the West Bank

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union’s foreign policy chief insisted Sunday that Israel must abide by the U.N. top court’s rulings and end its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and, at the same time, questioned the possible involvement of authorities in the settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. On a day that visiting Palestinian Prime …

Norway hands over papers in diplomatic step recognizing a Palestinian state
6 months, 4 weeks ago

Norway hands over papers in diplomatic step recognizing a Palestinian state

LA Times  

Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority Mohammed Mustafa, left, speaks after receiving a document handed to him by Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, right, prior to a meeting for talks on the Middle East in Brussels on Sunday. Norway on Sunday handed over diplomatic papers to the Palestinian prime minister in the latest step toward recognizing a Palestinian state, …

What’s behind Norway’s recognition of Palestinian statehood?
7 months ago

What’s behind Norway’s recognition of Palestinian statehood?

Al Jazeera  

Norway’s leaders say recognising Palestine is a first step in the push towards a two-state solution. “Norway believes that Israeli settlement activity on occupied land is illegal under international law and hinders the peace process and is in firm belief of a two-state solution as the only durable solution,” said Hasini Ransala Liyanage, a doctoral research fellow at the University …

Palestine: Norway, Ireland, and Spain just made a gigantic symbolic move. Israel could have avoided this.
7 months ago

Palestine: Norway, Ireland, and Spain just made a gigantic symbolic move. Israel could have avoided this.

Slate  

The decision by Norway, Ireland, and Spain to recognize a Palestinian state is a symbolic gesture, but in the context of the war in Gaza, it delivers a huge blow to Israel and a modest boost to Hamas. Saudi Arabia’s rulers desperately want to “normalize” relations with Israel, which they see as a potent ally in their larger rivalry with …

Israel to reprimand Irish, Norwegian, Spanish envoys over Palestine recognition
7 months ago

Israel to reprimand Irish, Norwegian, Spanish envoys over Palestine recognition

The Hindu  

Israel will reprimand the ambassadors of Ireland, Norway and Spain on Thursday over their governments' plan to recognise a Palestinian state next week, an Israeli official said. The envoys have been summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, where they will be shown a previously unpublished video of Hamas taking female captives during its October 7 attack on Israel that …

Why is Israel angry some EU countries are recognising Palestine?
7 months ago

Why is Israel angry some EU countries are recognising Palestine?

Al Jazeera  

Israel has responded with sound and fury to Norway’s, Ireland’s and Spain’s decision. “We’re getting to hear from lots of different people, that the recognition of a Palestinian state rewards Hamas for their actions on October 7, that attack in Israel,” Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan said, reporting from Amman, Jordan, because Israel’s government has banned Al Jazeera from reporting from …

The Latest | In historic move, a Palestinian state recognized by Spain, Ireland and Norway
54 years, 11 months ago

The Latest | In historic move, a Palestinian state recognized by Spain, Ireland and Norway

Associated Press  

Norway, Ireland and Spain said Wednesday they were recognizing a Palestinian state, a move welcomed by Palestinians as an affirmation of their decadeslong quest while Israel recalled its ambassadors to the three countries. National security adviser Jake Sullivan said otherwise Wednesday, saying some aid had been delivered “specifically to the Palestinians who need it.” GUNBATTLES AND CLASHES IN NORTHERN WEST …

Norway, Ireland and Spain move to recognise State of Palestine, Israel furious
7 months ago

Norway, Ireland and Spain move to recognise State of Palestine, Israel furious

Live Mint  

In a historic move, three European countries – Norway, Ireland and Spain – announced their plans to recognise a Palestinian state. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday said that their nations would recognise Palestine as a state as of May 28. Harris said he thinks other countries will join Norway, Spain and …

Ireland, Norway and Spain recognise Palestinian state
7 months ago

Ireland, Norway and Spain recognise Palestinian state

Hindustan Times  

New Delhi: Ireland, Norway and Spain said in coordinated announcements on Wednesday that they will recognise a Palestinian state amid the tensions created by the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the leadership of these countries saying they expect more European states to take a similar step. A statement from the Norwegian foreign ministry said a “number of other like-minded European countries will …

Ireland, Spain, Norway to formally recognise Palestine
7 months ago

Ireland, Spain, Norway to formally recognise Palestine

The Hindu  

Norway, Ireland and Spain announced on May 22 that they will formally recognise the state of Palestine, even as reports emerged of Israel pushing its way further into Rafah in southern Gaza. countries had mixed reactions to the International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan’s decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant …

Norway, Ireland and Spain say they will recognize a Palestinian state
7 months ago

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

Associated Press  

TEL AVIV, Israel — Norway, Ireland and Spain said Wednesday they would recognize a Palestinian state, a historic but largely symbolic move that further deepens Israel’s isolation more than seven months into its grinding war against Hamas in Gaza. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the cutoff was “wrong” because it “destabilizes the West Bank” and undermines “the search …

Norway, Ireland and Spain to recognise Palestinian state, Blinken says he'll work with US Congress on potential ICC sanctions
7 months ago

Norway, Ireland and Spain to recognise Palestinian state, Blinken says he'll work with US Congress on potential ICC sanctions

ABC  

In short: The prime ministers of Norway, Ireland and Spain announced their countries will soon recognise an independent Palestinian state. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the decision to recognise a Palestinian state undermined Israel's right to self-defence and efforts to return the 128 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. Blinken says he'll work with US Congress on potential …

Norway, Ireland, Spain to recognise Palestinian state
7 months ago

Norway, Ireland, Spain to recognise Palestinian state

Al Jazeera  

The three European countries will formally enact recognition on May 28 despite Israel’s warnings of the consequences. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Wednesday that a two-state solution was in Israel’s best interest and the recognition of Palestinian statehood would come as of May 28. Harris told a news conference: “I’m confident that further countries will join us …

Mapping which countries recognise Palestine in 2024
7 months ago

Mapping which countries recognise Palestine in 2024

Al Jazeera  

The State of Palestine is recognised by 146 countries around the world with Norway, Spain and Ireland joining the list. These are the countries that have recognised Palestine in the previous 12 years: 2023: Mexico 2019: Saint Kitts and Nevis 2018: Colombia 2015: Saint Lucia 2014: Sweden 2013: Guatemala, Haiti, the Vatican 2012: Thailand 2011: Chile, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, …

Palestinians welcome more recognition of Palestine state
7 months ago

Palestinians welcome more recognition of Palestine state

China Daily  

Palestinian vendors sell goods near a destroyed building housing a branch of Bank of Palestine, amid a cash crunch caused by the destruction and closure of banks in Gaza City May 5, 2024. On Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris all announced their countries will recognize Palestinian statehood, …

A rift grows in Europe over recognizing Palestinian state
7 months ago

A rift grows in Europe over recognizing Palestinian state

LA Times  

A boy waves a Palestinian flag as demonstrators in Barcelona, Spain, march during a protest in January calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. “To be impactful, recognition of Palestine must be matched with tangible steps to counter Israel’s annexation and settlement of Palestinian territory — such as banning settlement products and financial services,” he said. “A two-state solution is the …

Slovenia launches procedure to recognize Palestine
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Slovenia launches procedure to recognize Palestine

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-05-09 23:38 A demonstrator waves the Palestinian flag during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Columbus Square in Vienna, Austria on May 4. LJUBLJANA -- The government of Slovenia on Thursday began the procedure of recognizing the State of Palestine, to help end the violence in Gaza, Prime Minister Robert Golob announced. Slovenia's government coalition, which is composed of …

Recognition of Palestinian statehood is not the panacea it’s made out to be
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Recognition of Palestinian statehood is not the panacea it’s made out to be

Al Jazeera  

As the genocide in Gaza rages on, various European countries, including Spain and Ireland, have indicated that they are moving towards recognising the State of Palestine. The new Irish prime minister, Simon Harris, argued that a group of like-minded countries officially recognising a Palestinian state would “lend weight to the decision and … send the strongest message”. As it stands, …

Are more European nations finally moving to recognise Palestine statehood?
8 months, 1 week ago

Are more European nations finally moving to recognise Palestine statehood?

Al Jazeera  

Spain and Ireland are discussing a collective plan to recognise Palestine as a state amid Israel’s war on Gaza. Within Europe, the concerns over Israel’s war on Gaza have also led to shifting positions — including more nations considering the possibility of recognising the Palestinian state. Some of the EU’s most powerful and influential nations, including Germany and France, hold …

Spain’s prime minister says he will propose that parliament recognizes a Palestinian state
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Spain’s prime minister says he will propose that parliament recognizes a Palestinian state

Associated Press  

BILBAO, Spain — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Saturday that he will propose that Spain’s parliament recognizes a Palestinian state. “I will propose granting Spain’s recognition to the Palestinian state,” Sánchez said. “I do this out of moral conviction, for a just cause and because it is the only way that the two states, Israel and Palestine, can live …

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