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oslo, Norway – May 23, 2024 – Spain, Norway, and Ireland officially recognized the State of Palestine on Wednesday, marking a meaningful shift in European policy and prompting immediate reactions from Israel and international bodies. The move, formalized through diplomatic notifications, underscores growing international pressure for a two-state solution amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Global Recognition Timeline and Historical Context
The recognition by the three European nations follows a pattern established in 1988, when numerous African countries, nations in the Middle East, and former Soviet bloc states extended recognition to Palestine. This initial wave included Russia,Ukraine,Morocco,Algeria,Nigeria,the Democratic Republic of Congo,Turkey,Saudi Arabia,and Iran.Simultaneously, several Asian countries, notably China, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan, also acknowledged Palestinian statehood.
Subsequent years witnessed incremental recognition. In Africa, Benin, Ethiopia, and Kenya formally recognized Palestine in 1989. South American nations largely followed suit later, with Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, and Ecuador recognizing the state in 2010 (following earlier recognitions by Paraguay in 2005 and Venezuela in 2009). Notably, the vatican City, a non-UN member state, also recognized Palestine in 2015, under the pontificate of Pope Francis.
This latest decision by Spain,Norway,and Ireland diverges from the stance of most Western nations – with the exception of those formerly within the Soviet sphere – which typically condition recognition on mutual agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority through negotiations addressing core conflict issues. Countries historically advocating for a two-state solution, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States, have thus far refrained from recognizing Palestine, citing the need for a negotiated settlement. The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated the recognition was a “historical justice” and did not target Israel’s security. Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasized the recognition as a step towards a viable two-state solution. Ireland’s Taoiseach Simon Harris highlighted the move as affirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
