Norway Recognizes Palestine as a State

Norway recognizes Palestine as a state, with the decision coming into effect on May 28. "The Government of Norway has decided that Norway will recognize Palestine as a state," reads the statement published on the Norwegian government's website.

It is noted that the official recognition of the Palestinian state will come into effect on May 28.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasized at a press conference that recognizing the state of Palestine is necessary for establishing peace in the Middle East. "When we recognize Palestine, we can more decisively encourage other countries to support the building of a Palestinian state, and we will be able to hold the Palestinian state accountable," Støre stated.

Earlier, it was reported that three European countries, including Ireland and Spain, are set to announce the recognition of Palestine as a state today, May 22.