Norway, Ireland and Spain to recognise a Palestinian state in historic move

Israel reacted with fury after three European countries said on Wednesday they would recognise a Palestinian state, more than seven months into the devastating Gaza war.

European Union members Slovenia and Malta have also indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region. Source: Getty / Heiko Junge

The top line: Norway, Ireland and Spain announced on Wednesday they will formally recognise an independent Palestinian state in the hope that this will help to bring peace with Israel.

The bigger picture: Before the announcement, some 143 out of 193 member states of the United Nations recognised a Palestinian state.

The key quote: "In the middle of a war, with tens of thousands of dead and injured, we must keep alive the only thing that can provide a safe home for both Israelis and Palestinians: two states that can live in peace with each other." — Norweign Prime Minister Jonas Støre.

What else to know: Non-EU member Norway has long said it would recognise Palestine as a country only if it could have a positive impact on the peace process, in step with what the United States has said on the issue.

Norway is a close US ally, and the Nordic country has sought to help broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians on several occasions in recent decades.

What happens next: Israel said it was recalling its envoys to Ireland and Norway for "urgent consultations" and was expected to do the same with its ambassador to Spain. Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz said that "the twisted step of these countries is an injustice to the memory of the 7/10 victims."

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