Norway, Spain, and Ireland will recognize an independent Palestinian state as of May 28.
“There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition,” Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said. “By recognizing a Palestinian state, Norway supports the Arab peace plan.”
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“Ireland and Norway intend to send a message today to the Palestinians and the whole world: terrorism pays,” Katz said, adding that the move could hinder efforts to secure a cease-fire and the return of hostages held in Gaza.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced on Wednesday that Norway will officially recognize a Palestinian state from May 28, emphasizing that peace in the Middle East requires such recognition.
US President Joe Biden’s administration is willing to work with Congress to potentially impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday.
Republican Senator Lindsay Graham asked of Blinken during a congressional hearing: “Will you support bipartisan effort to sanction the ICC, not only for the outrage against Israel but to protect in the future our own interest?”
Ireland had earlier signaled it would recognize Palestinian statehood by the end of this month, part of a coordinated effort with Spain, Slovenia, and Malta, who argue that a two-state solution is crucial for lasting peace in the region.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry posted a video message addressed to Ireland on X warning that “recognizing a Palestinian state will lead to more terrorism, instability in the region and jeopardize any prospects for peace.”
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