Norway has officially recognized Palestine as a sovereign state. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre made the historic announcement on Wednesday, reaffirming Norway’s long-standing commitment to a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Prime Minister Støre declared that the Norwegian government’s decision acknowledges Palestine as a legitimate state. “Two states, living side by side, in peace and security,” he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for a political solution amid ongoing conflict and casualties in the region.
Norway’s recognition of Palestine underscores its consistent support for a two-state solution, advocating for both Israelis and Palestinians to coexist independently. The decision aligns with Norway’s broader diplomatic stance, which has long championed peace and stability in the Middle East.
The framework for this recognition is based on the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem recognized as the capital of both Israel and Palestine. This delineation is seen as crucial for any lasting peace agreement, ensuring that both nations have a defined and respected territory.
Prime Minister Støre expressed hope that Norway’s decision would inspire other countries to follow suit, thereby reinvigorating international efforts towards achieving peace between Israel and Palestine. “We believe that recognizing Palestine as a state is a step forward in realizing the vision of two states coexisting peacefully,” Støre said.
The announcement marks a significant moment in Norway’s foreign policy and adds momentum to the global discourse on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.