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Today, the governments of the three European countries Norway, Ireland and Spain decided to recognize Palestine as a separate state. The decisions can be said to be symbolic, are controversial and attract attention.

Recognition is an acceptance of a two-state solution

One thing that Israel and Hamas, which controls Gaza, have in common is that both parties are opposed to a two-state solution. Hamas openly states that they want to eliminate Israel as a state and the Israeli government headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not want a two-state solution either. He wants a state where Israel is the dominant party and the Palestinian lives there without any real influence.

Today’s decision by the three European countries is a signal that the 1948 borders are valid and that Palestine should have the areas that make up Gaza and the West Bank. The problem is, of course, Israel’s policy in recent years of establishing settlements, especially on the West Bank.

A two-state solution with the 1948 borders will therefore be difficult. The decisions do not recognize the rule of Hamas in Gaza or Hezbollah in the West Bank. All countries have previously recognized Israel as an independent state.

Palestine as an independent state

In 1948, Palestine was not defined as a state. In my opinion, it was a big mistake. Palestine was in many ways a no man’s land. This has led to countless conflicts over the years. Recognizing Palestine as a separate state is giving a voice to what needs to happen to achieve a stable peace in the region. Conflicts have triggered new conflicts, almost every other year. This is a situation no one can live with.

Both parties are against a two-state solution. Recognizing both states is, in effect, accepting that this is the only path to lasting peace in the Middle East. This is not a recognition of Hamas or Hezbollah. It is a recognition of the rights of a people. No one can say with certainty what the borders will be between a Jewish and a Palestinian state. The starting point must be the original boundaries from 1948.

Sources:

Ireland, Spain and Norway say they will recognize a Palestinian state | CNN

Norway, Ireland and Spain say they are recognizing a Palestinian state in historic move | AP News

Ireland, Norway and Spain to recognise Palestinian state (bbc.com)

Norway, Ireland, Spain to recognise Palestinian state | Israel-Palestine conflict News | Al Jazeera