The Israel-Hamas war|The reactions

Jubilation in Palestine after the historic announcements in Europe

The decision of Norway, Spain and Ireland to recognize Palestine as a state is welcomed in Palestine.

Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas welcomes the announcement and says in a statement that it reinforces the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

Bassem Naim, spokesman for Hamas's political branch, says the European countries' decision is a result of the Palestinian people's "courageous resistance."

- We believe that this will be a turning point in the international community's stance towards Palestine, he tells AFP.

Israel has reacted with anger to the news and recalled the ambassadors in Norway and Ireland.

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Norway, Spain and Ireland recognize Palestine as a state

Norway, Ireland and Spain have decided to recognize Palestine as an independent state, the country's heads of government announced on Wednesday morning.

- It is not possible to achieve peace in the Middle East without a Palestinian state, said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at a press conference.

An hour after Støre's announcement, both Spain and Ireland announced that they too recognize Palestine.

- I have spoken to several other leaders and I am convinced that more countries will take this important action, says Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez lashed out at Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the Israeli prime minister's "policy of violence" jeopardizes a two-state solution.

Before Wednesday, 143 of the UN's 193 member states had recognized Palestine as an independent state, including Sweden.

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Israel calls home diplomats from Norway and Ireland

Israel recalls the ambassadors from Norway and Ireland after the countries' decision to recognize Palestine.

- Ireland and Norway want to send a message to the Palestinians and the rest of the world: that terrorism pays off, writes Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on X.

The European countries' decision to recognize Palestine as an independent state makes it more difficult for Israel to return the hostages and makes a cease-fire in Gaza less likely, says Katz.

Spain is also expected to announce that it recognizes Palestine during the day. Israel will recall its ambassador even there if that happens.