As of Tuesday, Norway officially recognizes Palestine as an independent state, a move aimed at advancing the two-state solution in the Middle East. The Norwegian government announced this recognition in hopes of contributing to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict in the region.
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Palestine is now regarded as a sovereign state from Norway’s perspective. This recognition was formalized during a meeting in Brussels on Sunday, where Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide handed over the official document to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. The document had been formally approved by the Norwegian King.
In a press release last week, the Norwegian government stated, “The Palestinians have a fundamental, independent right to their own state. Both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in peace in separate states. There can be no peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution.” The government also highlighted the increasing difficulties for Palestine due to ongoing conflict and Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank.
Ireland and Spain have announced their intentions to recognize Palestine as a state, aiming to reinvigorate the two-state solution. Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide reiterated the significance of this recognition during a meeting with his Spanish and Irish counterparts, stating, “With this recognition, we are giving the process that began with the Oslo Accords a new impetus. It is a 2.0 for the vision of an independent Palestine.” Eide expressed hope that other countries would follow Norway’s example, potentially giving a “peaceful solution more momentum.”
The Israeli government reacted with dismay to these announcements, summoning the ambassadors of Norway, Ireland, and Spain to express their displeasure.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas praised Norway’s decision, urging other countries to recognize Palestine as well. He stated that Norway’s recognition would “strengthen the Palestinians’ right to self-determination” and support efforts towards a two-state solution.
While the majority of United Nations member states now recognize Palestine as a state, many key Western nations, including the United States and most EU countries—such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom—do not. Norway, however, is not a member of the EU.
