Norway to officially recognise Palestinian state; Israel recalls ambassador

Norway recognizes Palestine as a state, sparking backlash from Israel and supporting a two-state solution for peace.

Norway’s prime minister says Norway is formally recognising Palestine as a state.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Wednesday, “There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition.” Gahr Store said the Scandinavian country will recognise a Palestinian state as of May 28. Ireland is expected to do the same.

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In response, Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz has ordered Israel's ambassadors from Ireland and Norway to immediately return to Israel.

“Ireland and Norway intend to send a message today to the Palestinians and the whole world: terrorism pays,” Mr. Katz said.

He said that the recognition could impede efforts to return Israel's hostages being held in Gaza and makes a ceasefire less likely by “rewarding the jihadists of Hamas and Iran.” He also threatened to recall Israel's ambassador to Spain if the country takes a similar position.

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