Ireland, Spain, Norway recognize state of Palestine, backing its independence

Ireland, Spain and Norway announced Wednesday that they would officially recognize the state of Palestine.

Ireland announced that it would recognize Palestinian independence together with two other countries. The announcement was supported by Norway.

The Irish Government announced its intention to recognize Palestine as a state this month in response to Israel’s unprecedented attacks on the Gaza Strip. Other like-minded countries are expected to follow in Ireland’s footsteps in the coming weeks.

“On May 28, we will make the official announcement of our decision to recognize the state of Palestine,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said Wednesday.

Malta and Slovenia have also signaled that they are considering granting Palestine full state status.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry had previously targeted Ireland, saying that such a move would turn Ireland into a pawn in the hands of Iran and Hamas. Finally, Israel decided to withdraw its embassies in Ireland and Norway.