Spain, Ireland, and Norway Recognize Palestinian State: Diplomatic Implications

 Spain, Ireland, and Norway have declared that they will recognize a Palestinian state on May 28, a move seen as a significant step towards fulfilling a long-held Palestinian aspiration. This announcement comes amid growing international condemnation over the civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Israel's recent military actions.

The coordinated recognition by two European Union (EU) countries and Norway could create momentum for other EU nations to follow suit and might catalyze further initiatives at the United Nations, thereby increasing Israel's diplomatic isolation. Currently, only seven of the 27 EU member states officially recognize Palestine. These include five former Eastern Bloc countries, Cyprus, and Sweden, which recognized Palestine in 2014. Malta and Slovenia are also considering recognition, though not immediately.

Globally, approximately 140 of the 190 countries represented in the UN have already recognized a Palestinian state. This broad international support underscores the potential impact of the recent European announcements.

The 1947 UN partition plan proposed the creation of both a Jewish and a Palestinian state, but it was rejected by Palestinians and the Arab world as it allocated less than half the land to Palestinians, despite them making up two-thirds of the population. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, Israel expanded its territory, with Jordan controlling the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and Egypt controlling Gaza. Israel seized these territories in the 1967 war, and numerous peace talks since then have failed to resolve the conflict.

The US, UK, and other Western nations support the idea of an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel, but they insist that Palestinian statehood should result from a negotiated settlement. However, substantive negotiations have been stalled since 2009.

While the EU countries and Norway's recognition does not equate to acknowledging an existing state, it symbolizes increased international support for Palestinian aspirations and pressures Israel to engage in negotiations to end the conflict. This move also brings additional attention to the Middle East issue ahead of the European Parliament elections scheduled for June 6-9.

The ongoing conflict with Hamas has heightened diplomatic pressure on Israel. On May 11, the UN General Assembly granted new "rights and privileges" to Palestine, reflecting growing international backing for full voting membership. The leaders of Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia had earlier indicated that recognizing a Palestinian state could positively contribute to ending the conflict.

In response to the recognition announcements, Israel swiftly recalled its ambassadors from Ireland, Norway, and Spain. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, describing it as a "reward for terrorism" and insisted that it would only serve to entrench the Palestinian position and undermine negotiations. He cited strong support among Palestinians in the West Bank for the October 7 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel as evidence of the potential dangers of a Palestinian state.

Although many countries have recognized Palestine, major Western powers have yet to do so. Britain's Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated that no recognition could occur while Hamas remains in Gaza. France has expressed support for the idea in principle but is not ready to recognize Palestine, emphasizing that such a move must aid in achieving a two-state solution. Germany also maintains that recognition should follow a negotiated settlement.

Spain, Ireland, and Norway's decision to recognize Palestine is a significant diplomatic gesture. While it may not lead to immediate changes on the ground, it underscores the growing international support for Palestinian statehood and increases pressure on Israel to return to the negotiating table.