Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong support on Wednesday for the decisions by Norway, Ireland, and Spain to recognize a Palestinian state. The ministry hailed the move as “positive” and urged other nations to follow suit, emphasizing the importance of international consensus on the Palestinian right to self-determination.
“The Kingdom appreciates this decision by these countries, affirming the international consensus on the inherent right of the Palestinian people to self-determination,” stated the ministry.
The anticipated decision by Norway, Ireland, and Spain was formally announced on May 28, causing discontent in Israel. This development marks a significant step towards the long-standing Palestinian goal of statehood, occurring amidst global condemnation of the humanitarian crisis and civilian casualties in Gaza following recent Israeli military actions.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry called on more countries to emulate the actions of Norway, Ireland, and Spain, suggesting that widespread recognition could pave the way for a sustainable resolution to the Palestinian issue.
To date, around 140 countries—over two-thirds of United Nations members—have recognized a Palestinian state, though no major Western powers have done so. The Saudi foreign ministry urged permanent members of the UN Security Council who have not yet recognized a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital to take this step, aiming to achieve comprehensive and just peace.
