Norway, Ireland, And Spain Recognize Palestinian State

Norway will recognize an independent Palestinian state in the hope that this will help bring peace with Israel, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said, Nerijus Adomaitis and Gwladys Fouche reported for Reuters.

Some 143 out of 193 member-states of the United Nations have already recognized a Palestinian state.

Ireland and Spain will also announce the recognition of a Palestinian state, sources said. European Union (EU) members Slovenia and Malta have also indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make the recognition, arguing that a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.

"In the middle of a war, with tens of thousands of dead and injured, we must keep alive the only thing that can provide a safe home for both Israelis and Palestinians: two states that can live in peace with each other," Støre told a press conference.

Before the announcement, some 143 out of 193 member-states of the United Nations recognized a Palestinian state.

European countries have approached the issue differently. Some, like Sweden, recognized a Palestinian state a decade ago, while France is not planning to do so unless it can be an effective tool to make progress towards peace.