Spain, Ireland and Norway have formally recognized a Palestinian state, in what they say is an attempt to refocus efforts to find a political solution to the war in the Middle East.
They hope that by acting together they will encourage other European countries to follow suit, in a diplomatic boost that could help secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas held.
The symbolic decision has sparked furious rows with the Israeli government, which has accused all three countries of rewarding terrorism.
Israel has withdrawn its ambassadors from Ireland, Norway and Spain and formally reprimanded their envoys in Tel Aviv. All three were summoned to the Israeli Foreign Ministry last week to show footage of the October 7 attacks in front of the media.
The recognition of Palestine by the three countries also increases diplomatic pressure on Israel after two international courts called for an end to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operations in southern Gaza and accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of war crimes.
Western countries have also stepped up sanctions against Israeli settlers in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The process of diplomatic recognition varies from country to country, but normally involves a formal exchange of credentials with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah.
Existing consulates or missions in the West Bank or East Jerusalem then become formal embassies, while representatives transform into full-fledged ambassadors.
All three countries said they recognized a Palestinian state based on borders established before the 1967 war, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine.
The Palestinian flag flew over the Irish parliament as TDs took four hours to debate the issue. Speaking to Cabinet where the formal decision would be made, Taioseach (Prime Minister) Simon Harris said it was a “historic and important” step.
He said he hoped other European countries would follow suit, saying they should use all the tools at their disposal to promote a ceasefire.
Speaking to Parliament when the measure was passed, Mr Harris said: “I hope it sends a message of hope to the Palestinian people that Ireland stands with them in this, their darkest hour.
“It is an expression of our view that Palestine possesses and should be able to defend the full rights of statehood, including self-determination, self-governance, territorial integrity and security, as well as the recognition of Palestine’s own obligations under international law.”
As Norway’s formal recognition came into effect, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said it was “a special day for relations between Norway and Palestine.”
Ahead of Spain’s cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the recognition of Palestine was “not only a matter of historical justice” but also “an essential requirement if we all want to achieve peace.”
He emphasized that Spain was not acting against Israel and was opposing Hamas, which was against a two-state solution.
Israel seems most angry with Spain. Foreign Minister Israel Katz posted a video on social media showing flamenco dancing and music interspersed with graphic images of the October 7 attack, with the words: “Hamas: thank you Spain.”
Spain condemned the post as “scandalous and disgusting”. Mr Katz posted similar videos about Ireland and Norway.
The row intensified when Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz publicly called for Palestinians to be “free from the river to the sea,” a controversial phrase that many Israelis consider anti-Semitic and a call for the complete destruction of the State of Israel .
In a post on He told Mr. Sánchez that if he did not fire his deputy, “you are participating in the incitement to commit genocide and war crimes against the Jewish people.”
Diplomats suspect that Israel has responded strongly to Spain, Ireland and Norway to discourage other countries from following their example.
Slovenia, Malta and Belgium have indicated in recent months that they can also recognize Palestine. But the Belgian government appears to have cooled in the run-up to the elections.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said he wanted to wait until Belgium could recognize Palestine alongside major European countries to have a bigger impact. “Symbolism doesn’t solve anything,” he said.
Most countries – about 139 in total – formally recognize a Palestinian state.
On May 10, 143 of the 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of a Palestinian bid for full UN membership, something open only to states.
Palestine currently has a kind of enhanced observer status at the UN, which gives the country a seat but no vote in the assembly. It is also recognized by several international organizations, including the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
A minority of European countries already recognize a Palestinian state. They include former members of the Soviet bloc such as Hungary, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Bulgaria, who took the position in 1988; and others including Sweden and Cyprus.
But many European countries – and the US – say they will only recognize a Palestinian state as part of a long-term political solution to the Middle East conflict.
