Norway on Tuesday began formally recognising an independent Palestinian state, as Spain and Ireland were set to follow suit later in the day amid opposition from Israel.

“Norway’s formal recognition of Palestine as a state will enter into force on Tuesday, May 28, 2024,” the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“A number of other like-minded European countries will also formally recognise Palestine on that same date,” the ministry added.

The three European countries had announced the move simultaneously a week ago, with their leaders saying they hoped other countries would join in the initiative.

They believed it would advance the prospects for peace after more than seven months of fighting between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas.

“Recognition by various European countries is not, in itself, sufficient to ensure that a Palestinian state will be sustainable,” said Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

“By recognising a Palestinian state, we are supporting the Arab peace plan, which has been further developed by key actors in the region in the wake of October 7. This joint decision reflects the determination of our three countries to make a fundamental paradigm shift,” said Ireland’s Michael Martin at a joint news conference of the three countries’ foreign ministers on Monday.

“We have recognised both the State of Israel and the State of Palestine, precisely because we want to see a future of normalised relations between the two peoples.

“A two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict envisages an independent Palestinian state that exists peacefully side by side with Israel.

Mr Martins said, “Netanyahu opposes a two-state solution, as does Hamas.’’

The majority of United Nations member states recognise the state of Palestine.

However, influential western nations such as the United States, Britain, and most EU states do not recognise an independent Palestinian state. 

(dpa/NAN)