3 European countries Norway, Spain and Ireland announced to recognize Palestine as a state. Today, Wednesday (May 22), the Prime Ministers of the three countries made this announcement simultaneously. The leaders of the three countries said that they will officially recognize Palestine as a state in order to achieve peace in the Middle East.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Storr told a news conference on Wednesday (May 22) that a two-state solution was the best way forward. He also said that peace cannot come to the Middle East without the recognition of Palestine. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Storr announced that Norway will recognize Palestine as a state on May 28.

Shortly after Norway’s announcement, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris also announced the recognition of Palestine at a press conference. He said, Ireland will also recognize the state of Palestine.

The Prime Minister of Ireland said in a press conference that Ireland, Norway and Spain are announcing their decision to recognize the state of Palestine. Each of us will now take action nationally to implement that decision. He added, “I am sure that many more countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks.”

After that, the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, announced in a press conference that he would recognize Palestine as an independent state on May 28. Meanwhile, Israel reacted angrily to the declaration of the three countries. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israeli ambassadors to Ireland and Norway to return to Israel immediately.