'Historic day': Norway, Spain formally recognize Palestinian state; Ireland to follow suit

Ireland, Norway and Spain , Join List of Nations to Formally , Recognize a Palestinian State. Spain, Ireland and Norway have officially recognized a Palestinian state in what the BBC calls an effort to seek a political solution to the ongoing war in Gaza. . The countries said they hope their decisions will encourage other European nations to follow suit and help reach a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages by Hamas. . The countries said they hope their decisions will encourage other European nations to follow suit and help reach a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages by Hamas. . In response, Israel's government has accused Ireland, Norway and Spain of rewarding terrorism, while also withdrawing ambassadors from the countries. . The recognition of a Palestinian state by the three nations has increased pressure on Israel to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza. . BBC reports that two international courts have called for an end to the war and accused Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing war crimes. BBC reports that two international courts have called for an end to the war and accused Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing war crimes. At the same time, other western countries have also increased sanctions on Israeli settlers in occupied Palestinian territories. . According to Ireland, Spain and Norway, they recognize a Palestinian state based on borders established prior to the war in 1967. Before the war, Jerusalem was the capital of both Israel and Palestine. This is an important moment and I think it sends a signal to the world that there are practical actions you can take as a country to help keep the hope and destination of a two-state solution alive at a time when others are trying to sadly bomb it into oblivion, Simon Harris, Prime Minister of Ireland, via BBC. According to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, recognizing Palestine is , “an essential requirement if we are all to achieve peace.”. According to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, recognizing Palestine is , “an essential requirement if we are all to achieve peace.”