European Nations Formally Recognize Palestine as an Independent State 

This recognition from the international community will give Palestine’s diplomats a stronger say in any negotiation or summit

Three Western European nations, Ireland, Norway and Spain have cemented a joint move to formally recognize Palestine as an independent state in order to find a political solution to the war in the Middle East. This further isolates Israel over its war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel criticized the move and will have no immediate impact on the Gaza war. This decision will pressurize Israel to soften its response to Hamas-led attack. The increased pressure accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of war crimes and called for an end to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations in Gaza.

They are hoping that by working together, these governments can persuade other European countries to do the same. They aim at advancing diplomatic efforts that may result in the release of Hamas hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.

This recognition from the international community will give Palestine’s diplomats a stronger say in any negotiation or summit. Additionally, as a separate state, it allows Palestine to sign bilateral accords.

Ireland, Spain, Norway governments said that their moves were coordinated and long awaited. They intend to support a two-state solution to bring peace in the Middle East.  Although the announcement encountered a diplomatic blow as the ally in the United States faced international isolation and backlash over its deadly military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said his country made the decision, which was strongly condemned by Israel, “to keep the miracle of peace alive.” 

Spain Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez stated that his decision was taken on moral grounds and a just cause. He believes that this was the only way to bring two states, Israel and Palestine, to live in peace. The Israeli Prime Minister has caused pain and destruction in Gaza and the rest of Palestine. 

143 of 193 members of the UN’s general assembly voted in the favor of a Palestinian bid for full UN membership, something that is only open to states. Palestine has an enhanced status in the UN which gives it a seat and place at the assembly but not a vote. The Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and various other international organizations have recognized Palestine as an independent state. 

Many minority countries like Bloc, such as Hungary, Poland, Romania, Czechia, Slovakia and Bulgaria have recognized Palestine as a state in the year 1988. Sweden and Cyprus were also a part of them. The Palestine state will be recognized only as a part of a long term political solution to the conflict in the Middle East by the many European countries and the US. 

The Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said, “I am sending a clear message today, Israel will not hold back against those who undermine its sovereignty and endanger its security.” He also ordered the immediate recall of its ambassadors from the trio nations to Israel’s foreign ministry to show the attacks that took place on the 7 October attacks in front of the media.

“After the terrorist organization Hamas carried out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, after it committed the most horrific sex crimes the world has seen, these countries chose to give a reward to Hamas and Iran and recognize a Palestinian state,” Katz added.

The recognition by Spain, Norway, and Ireland was welcomed by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, which enjoys limited autonomy in the West Bank.

This move of recognition will have an impact on the relations of two states. An increased diplomatic relations between the Palestine Authority and the three countries. The three European countries have announced that they will recognize Palestine according to the pre-1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital. Dublin will upgrade its offices in Palestine and the Palestine missions in Dublin into embassies. Oslo and Madrid have already been done while these two will be in progress.