Norway, Ireland and Spain recognized a Palestinian state in a historic move Wednesday. Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz has ordered Israel’s ambassadors from Ireland and Norway to immediately return to Israel. Several European Union countries indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition of a Palestinian state and called on other countries to follow. In a statement carried by the official WAFA news agency, he said Norway’s decision would enshrine “the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination” and support efforts to bring about a two-state solution with Israel.
