Muscat – This decision comes amid warnings from Israel that such actions could ‘fuel extremism and instability’.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed that Norway will officially recognize the Palestinian state on May 28. He emphasized that the goal of the two-state solution is to establish a politically cohesive Palestinian state based on the Palestinian Authority, noting that the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip underscores the necessity of resolving the Palestinian issue to achieve peace and stability.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris echoed similar sentiments, announcing Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine. In a message to the Palestinian people, Harris affirmed Ireland’s respect for their aspirations to live freely and govern their own affairs. At a press conference, he expressed confidence that more countries will follow Ireland’s lead in the coming weeks and stressed that recognizing a Palestinian state is essential for peace and ending regional violence. Harris also called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and increased humanitarian aid to address the ongoing crisis.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also declared Spain’s official recognition of the State of Palestine, effective May 28. Sanchez informed Spanish representatives that the recognition would be approved in the upcoming Council of Ministers meeting. He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of jeopardizing the two-state solution through policies of ‘suffering and destruction’ in the Gaza Strip.
The leaders of the three coalition parties briefed government ministers on the final stage of the negotiations on Tuesday.
In addition to Norway, Ireland, and Spain, other European Union member states such as Slovenia and Malta have signaled their intention to recognize a Palestinian state, viewing the two-state solution as vital for lasting peace in the region. Currently, 140 of the 193 United Nations member states recognize Palestine as an independent state.