Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, has officially recognized the State of Palestine, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“This is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace,” Sánchez declared during a televised speech outside the prime minister’s palace in Madrid.
The decision has provoked a sharp response from Israel. Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned the move on X, accusing Sánchez’s government of “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.”
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also announced Norway’s recognition of a Palestinian state, describing it as a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine. Eide emphasized Norway’s long-standing support for Palestinian statehood over the past three decades.
While numerous countries have recognized Palestine, this move by Spain and Norway, both Western nations, represents a notable shift in European public opinion and diplomatic relations.
The European Union’s relationship with Israel has deteriorated, with Madrid urging the EU to take action against Israel for its continued military operations in Rafah, Gaza. Following a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin mentioned that sanctions against Israel were seriously discussed for the first time.
Norway, though not an EU member, often aligns its foreign policy with the bloc. The Norwegian government had already presented diplomatic credentials to the Palestinian government before its formal recognition.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed support for the International Criminal Court’s efforts to issue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders, including those from Hamas, amidst the ongoing conflict.
The recognition comes amid the Israeli aggression in Gaza, where Israel has killed at least 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
With over 140 countries recognizing Palestine, the addition of three Western European nations increases pressure on EU powerhouses like France and Germany to reconsider their stance.