European nations edge closer to recognizing Palestinian state amid diplomatic push

Ireland, Spain, other nations are moving closer to recognizing Palestine statehood, as announced by Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris during talks with Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez

In a significant diplomatic move, Ireland, Spain, and several other nations are edging closer to recognizing Palestine as a state, as announced on Friday by Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris during talks with Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez in Dublin.

This declaration follows Norway’s announcement, made during Sanchez’s visit, signaling its readiness to recognize Palestine as well. Sanchez, who is currently on a European tour including stops in Poland, is actively seeking support for this initiative, according to a spokesperson from the Spanish government.

Harris, who assumed office just three days prior, succeeding Leo Varadkar, reiterated Ireland’s longstanding intention to recognize Palestine, signaling a commitment to follow through on the pledge.

“Our assessment is that that point is coming much closer, and we would like to move together in doing so,” stated Harris during a joint press conference with Sanchez. “When we move forward, we would like to do so with as many others as possible to lend weight to the decision and to send the strongest message.”

Sanchez echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that willing countries would make their declarations “when the conditions are appropriate” and expressing support for Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations.

Earlier, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store expressed readiness to recognize Palestine, emphasizing the need for close coordination with like-minded countries. Although no firm timetable has been set, Norway’s parliament previously adopted a proposal to prepare for recognizing an independent Palestinian state.

Spain, along with Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia, issued a statement on March 22 during an EU leaders summit, expressing readiness to recognize Palestine when the circumstances permit. Sanchez, on a Middle East tour, expressed hope for this recognition by the end of June.

Welcoming Sanchez’s initiative, Store emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination among countries, indicating plans to intensify such efforts in the weeks to come.

However, these developments have drawn ire from Israel. Sanchez’s outspoken comments throughout the conflict between Israel and Hamas, coupled with Harris’s recent statements, have already elicited a rebuke from the Israeli government.

Source: AFP