Norway announced its recognition of an independent Palestinian state on Wednesday, aiming to bolster peace efforts between Israel and Palestine. This move, declared by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, aligns with similar announcements from Ireland and Spain, according to diplomatic sources.

Prime Minister Stoere emphasized the importance of a two-state solution for lasting peace in the region. “In the middle 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,” he stated during a press conference.

The recognition comes amid severe escalations in Gaza, where Israeli forces have launched assaults on its northern and southern borders. These actions have resulted in a mass exodus of civilians and significant restrictions on aid delivery, raising fears of an impending famine.

Norway’s decision reflects a broader shift among several European nations. Slovenia and Malta have also signaled their intent to recognize Palestine, advocating for a two-state solution as the path to enduring peace. Sweden took a similar step a decade ago, while France maintains it will only recognize Palestine if it contributes to meaningful progress towards peace.

Norway’s recognition of Palestine comes despite its close alliance with the United States, which has historically conditioned such recognition on its potential positive impact on the peace process. The Nordic country has previously played a mediating role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, notably facilitating the Oslo Accords in the 1990s.

Before these announcements, 143 of the 193 United Nations member states had already recognized Palestine.