Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo

The three European nations recognize Palestine despite Israel’s warnings of potential consequences, Al Jazeera report on May, 22nd.

The leaders of Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced that their countries will formally recognize Palestine as a state to promote “peace in the Middle East”. This decision prompted Israel to immediately recall its envoys.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said on Wednesday that a two-state solution is in Israel’s best interest. He added that the recognition would take effect on May 28.

“There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition,” he stated.

“In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured [in Gaza], 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,” Jonas Gahr Store said.

“Recognition of Palestine is a means of supporting the moderate forces which have been losing ground in this protracted and brutal conflict,” he added.

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“This could ultimately enable the resumption of the process towards achieving a two-state solution and give it renewed momentum,” Store said.

Shortly after Norway’s announcement, Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris said his country would also recognize a Palestinian state. However, he did not specify the timing.

“Today, Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine,” Simon Harris stated at a news conference. “Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision.”

“I’m confident that further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks,” he also said during the conference.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Wednesday that the country’s council of ministers would recognize an independent Palestinian state on May 28. Speaking in the Spanish parliament, Sanchez accused his Israeli counterpart, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of putting the two-state solution in “danger” with his policy of “pain and destruction” in Gaza.

Al Jazeera and agencies