Spain, Norway, Ireland to recognise Palestine state

Spain, Norway and Ireland will recognise Palestine as a state, taking effect on May 28, the Prime Ministers of all three countries confirmed on Wednesday.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed on Wednesday that the country's council of ministers would recognise an independent Palestinian state.

Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris said he expected other countries to join them in taking such a step in the coming weeks.

"Today, Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that we recognise the state of Palestine," Harris said at a press conference.

"Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision. I'm confident that further countries will join us in taking this important step in the coming weeks."

Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said Norway will recognise an independent Palestinian state in the hope that it will help to bring peace with Israel.

The three countries, along with Slovenia and Malta, had indicated in recent weeks that they planned to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.

The Palestinian Authority and Hamas both welcomed the decision.

The Israeli foreign ministry said on Wednesday it had ordered an immediate recall of its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway in response.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the decisions undermined Israel's right to self-defence and efforts to return the 128 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

"Israel will not be silent," Katz said. "We are determined to achieve our goals: restoring security to our citizens and the removal of Hamas and the return of the hostages."

"There are no more righteous goals than these," Katz said.