Norway, Ireland, Spain say will recognize Palestinian state

Norway, Ireland and Spain announced on Wednesday that they will recognize a Palestinian state from May 28, sparking delight from Palestinian leaders and fury from Israel.

The three nations hope other countries will follow but Europe remains split over the issue as the Israel-Hamas war rages. France said it was not the right time to give recognition however.

The announcement by prime ministers Jonas Gahr Store of Norway, Pedro Sanchez of Spain and Simon Harris of Ireland in their capitals is the second diplomatic blow this week, after the International Criminal Court prosecutor said he would seek arrest warrants for Israel's prime minister and Hamas leaders.

Türkiye welcomed the announcements from Spain, Ireland, and Norway.

"We are greatly pleased by the announcements from Spain, Ireland, and Norway that they will recognize the State of Palestine," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"The recognition of Palestine is a requirement of international law, justice, and conscience. It is an extremely important step for the recovery of the usurped rights of the Palestinian people under occupation and for Palestine to achieve the status it deserves in the international community," the ministry said.

"As Türkiye, we will continue to strive for more countries to recognize Palestine," it added.

Israel reacted with fury again, immediately recalling its envoys to the three nations, calling the move a "prize for terrorism".

But the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) hailed the move as "historical". Hamas praised what it called an "important step" that resulted from the "brave resistance" of Palestinians.

Israel said recognising a Palestinian state would reduce the chance of a negotiated resolution...