Arab world hails decision by Ireland, Norway, Spain to recognize Palestinian state

AMMAN, Jordan

The Arab world on Wednesday welcomed a decision by Ireland, Norway and Spain to recognize a Palestinian state.

Formal recognition of Palestine as a state by the three European countries will enter into force on May 28, 2024

The Saudi Foreign Ministry hailed the announcements by the three European countries as “positive.”

Saudi Arabia “appreciates this decision…which confirms the international consensus on the inherent right of the Palestinian people to self-determination,” the ministry said in a statement.

The kingdom called on other countries, especially the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to “urgently” take a similar decision “to contribute to finding a reliable and irreversible path that achieves a just and lasting peace that meets the rights of the Palestinian people.”

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also hailed the move as a “key step towards peace.”

“The radical Israeli government announced more illegal measures that kill all its prospects. We value the decision of our European partners and condemn Israel’s illegal measures,” he said on X.

Egypt said the recognition by the three countries will boost efforts aimed at creating a political horizon leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) described the recognition of a Palestinian state by the three European countries as a “pivotal and strategic step toward achieving a two-state solution.”

The recognition comes as Israel continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023 despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the enclave.

More than 35,600 Palestinians have been killed, the vast majority of whom have been women and children, and nearly 79,900 others injured since last October following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.

More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered it to ensure that its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio