By In a significant diplomatic move, Ireland and Norway have announced their intention to officially recognize Palestine as a state, with the Irish decision expected to be coordinated with at least two other European governments, according to an Irish official who spoke to POLITICO.
The announcement is set to be made at an 8 a.m. press conference on Wednesday, led by the leaders of Ireland’s three-party government: Prime Minister Simon Harris, Foreign Minister Micheál Martin, and Environment Minister Eamon Ryan.
The Irish official, who requested anonymity as the purpose of the press conference was not officially revealed in advance, confirmed that Ireland had been discussing the timing of the recognition with the governments of Spain, Slovenia, Belgium, Norway, and Malta, all of which share Ireland’s view that the European Union as a whole should recognize Palestinian statehood.
Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also held a press conference on Wednesday morning, confirming that their country will recognize Palestine as a state from May 28. The territorial demarcation between Palestine and Israel will be based on the borders from before June 4, 1967, when Israel captured the Gaza Strip from Egypt and the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan during the Six Day War.
The Israeli government, anticipating Dublin’s move, released a video criticizing Ireland for allegedly playing into the hands of Hamas. The video chides Ireland, stating, “The fact that Hamas leaders are thanking you should serve as a wake-up call.” The Israeli foreign ministry’s response highlights the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Until now, Sweden has been the only EU member to have unilaterally recognized Palestine as a state, with several other European countries adopting the position before they joined the EU. While none of the G7 nations recognize Palestine, more than 140 of the 193 members of the United Nations do.
The decision by Ireland and Norway to recognize Palestinian statehood is expected to have significant implications for the region and may prompt other European nations to follow suit. The move is likely to be met with mixed reactions from the international community, with some viewing it as a step towards resolving the long-standing conflict and others, like Israel, seeing it as a hindrance to the peace process.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely monitoring the reactions and potential consequences of Ireland and Norway’s decision to recognize Palestine as a state. The move may also put pressure on other European nations and the European Union as a whole to reevaluate their stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and consider the recognition of Palestinian statehood.
