On Tuesday 28 May, three European countries officially recognised the existence of a Palestinian state, angering the Israeli authorities. Spain, Ireland and Norway coordinated this historic decision, with Norway in the lead

Espen Barth Eide, head of Norwegian diplomacy, hailed this as a ‘landmark day’ for bilateral relations with Palestine, recalling his country’s 30-year commitment to a Palestinian state.

Spain followed suit with a decree adopted by the Council of Ministers, in which the Spanish Prime Minister stressed that this recognition is necessary for peace and is a ‘matter of historical justice’ for the Palestinian people. He added that this decision was not directed against Israel, while rejecting Hamas.

Ireland also made the recognition official to ‘keep hope alive’ and support a two-state solution. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris and Foreign Minister Michael Martin stressed the importance of a political solution to break the cycle of violence and guarantee equal rights for Palestinians and Israelis.

This decision by the three European countries could inspire other states to join them. At present, 145 of the 193 UN member states recognise the Palestinian state. However, the issue is a divisive one within the EU, with countries such as France and Germany holding different positions.

The recognition provoked strong reactions from the head of Israeli diplomacy, Israel Katz, who expressed his anger on social networks, notably by targeting the Spanish Prime Minister and publishing controversial videos. The countries concerned have promised a coordinated and firm response to these attacks.