Ireland, Spain and Norway officially recognise Palestine as a state

The three European countries, Spain, Ireland, and Norway have officially announced their recognition of the state of Palestine on Wednesday, a move that has been vehemently rebuffed by Israel.

"Today, Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine," Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris stated at a news conference.

The recognition by the three countries will take effect on May 28.

In response, Israel recalled its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway immediately and threatened to do the same for Spain.

Speaking at a news conference in Dublin, the Irish Prime Minister maintained that this decision would "offer hope and encouragement to the people of Palestine at one of their darkest hours."

During the news conference, Harris emphasised that he views the two-state solution as the only viable approach to maintain peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. 

He added that Wednesday's decision is especially meaningful for Ireland, considering its long struggle for independence.

He expressed hope that more countries will take similar decision in the coming weeks.

The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed his decision in parliament after months of seeking support for Palestinian recognition and a ceasefire during his visits across Europe and the Middle East.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store endorsed the recognition, stating that his country supports the “Arab Peace Plan,” adding, "There cannot be peace in the Middle East without recognition."

The secretary general of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the decision.

“Historical moments in which the free world triumphs for truth and justice after long decades of Palestinian national struggle, suffering, pain, occupation, racism, murder, oppression, abuse and destruction to which the people of Palestine were subjected”, he said on 'X.'

As the IDF unleashed violence from north to south, civilians in Gaza are scrambling for shelter. 

Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes, targeting Jabalia in the north and Rafah in the south, where thousands of civilians have sought refuge.