Ireland and Spain announce they’ll recognize Palestinian state as of May 28, joining Norway’s declaration

Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez officially announce that their countries will be recognizing a Palestinian state as of May 28, joining Norway’s declaration earlier today.

“I am confident other countries will join us in the coming weeks,” the Irish premier says, calling it “a historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine.”

He says the recognition comes out of a belief in “freedom and justice,” and that peace can only be secured by “the free will of a free people.”

Speaking to Spain’s lower house, Sanchez says that Spain’s recognition is a decision “for peace, for justice and for coherence.”

“Spain will be accompanied by other European countries,” he says. “The more there are of us, the sooner we will achieve a ceasefire. We are not going to give up.

“Recognition is not just the end, it’s just the beginning,” he notes.

“This recognition is not an attack on anyone, nor a recognition against the Jewish people,” Sanchez adds. “Nor is it in favor of Hamas.”