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Oslo:
Norway will recognize an independent Palestinian state in the hope that this will help bring peace with Israel, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Wednesday.
Ireland and Spain will also announce recognition of a Palestinian state, sources said on Wednesday.
European Union members Slovenia and Malta have also indicated in recent weeks that they plan to grant recognition, arguing that a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.
“In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands of dead and injured, we must keep alive the only thing that can provide a safe home for both Israelis and Palestinians: two states that can live in peace with each other,” said Stoere. . a press conference.
Before the announcement, around 143 of the 193 United Nations member states recognized a Palestinian state.
European countries approached the issue differently. Some, like Sweden, recognized a Palestinian state a decade ago, while France has no plans to do so unless it can be an effective tool for making progress towards peace.
The measures come as Israeli forces led attacks on the northern and southern ends of the Gaza Strip in May, causing a new exodus of hundreds of thousands of people, and drastically restricting the flow of aid, increasing the risk of famine.
Non-EU member Norway has long said it would only recognize Palestine as a country if it could have a positive impact on the peace process, in line with what the United States has said on the issue.
Norway is a close ally of the US and the Nordic country has sought to help broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians on several occasions in recent decades.
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