Egypt Daily News - On Wednesday, Ireland, Spain and Norway recognized an “independent” Palestinian state, in a step that several European countries may also take, despite Israeli warnings.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Bart Ende said in a press conference on Wednesday that Norway, Spain and Ireland's formal recognition of an independent Palestinian state will take effect on May 28.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said on Wednesday that it was a step coordinated with Spain and Norway, and that it was “a historic and important day for Ireland and Palestine.”

He added that this step aims to help push the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to a settlement through a two-state solution. For his part, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that his country will recognize the State of Palestine on May 28.

Sanchez, the Spanish socialist leader who has been in power since 2018, made the announcement, which was widely expected, before the country's parliament on Wednesday.

Sanchez spent months touring Europe and the Middle East to rally support for recognition of Palestine, as well as seeking a ceasefire in Gaza.

Earlier this month, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Albarez said that he informed US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken of his government's intention to recognize Palestine.