In a significant move, Norway, along with Ireland and Spain, has formally recognized Palestinian statehood based on the pre-1967 borders. The decision, which takes effect from Tuesday, has been welcomed by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. However, it has sparked strong opposition from Israel, leading to the withdrawal of Israeli ambassadors from Oslo, Dublin, and Madrid, and summoning the Norwegian, Irish, and Spanish representatives in Tel Aviv.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store explained that the decision is aimed at supporting moderate forces in the long-standing and cruel conflict. He emphasized that a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, is the only path to lasting peace in the Middle East.

The move did not come as a surprise to analysts, as Norway has seen a shift in public opinion towards a more pro-Palestinian stance over the years. Bjorn Olav Utvik, a professor of Middle East studies at the University of Oslo, highlighted that while the political establishment had been hesitant due to close ties with the US, popular opinion has increasingly swung towards the Palestinian cause, particularly since the outbreak of the current conflict.

Recognizing Palestinian statehood is seen as an important symbolic gesture by Norway, although some argue that more concrete steps could be taken, such as divesting from investments linked to Israel by the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund. Norway's decision aligns with European countries that vocally support Palestinian rights and self-determination, amid deep divisions over the Israeli war on Gaza.

Norway's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict has remained consistent, with strong support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), condemnation of Israeli occupation before the International Court of Justice, and sanctions on extremist settlers. Hasini Ransala Liyanage from the University of Oslo's political science department emphasized Norway's belief that Israeli settlement activity on occupied land is illegal under international law and hinders the peace process.

The recognition of a Palestinian state by Norway also underscores its support for the Arab Peace Initiative, which calls for Israel's recognition and withdrawal from lands captured since 1967 in exchange for normalized ties. This announcement is seen as an effort to create attention for the initiative and increase European support for the Arab peace plan.

The war in Gaza has taken a heavy toll, with almost 36,000 lives lost, the majority being women and children. Norway's recognition of a Palestinian state aims to provide hope amid this dark time, distinguishing it as a state that acts against war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law while recognizing another state's legitimate right to defend its citizens and borders.

While this move by Norway has received support from Arab governments and is seen as a step towards countering perceptions of double standards and blind support for Israel, it has also sparked criticism from Israel and drawn attention to the demise of the Oslo peace process. Hugh Lovatt from the European Council on Foreign Relations stressed the need to develop a new post-Oslo peacemaking strategy that challenges Israeli occupation and supports Palestinian rights.

As the conflict continues, it becomes clear that Norway and other countries are recognizing the urgency of finding new approaches to the Israel-Palestine issue in order to deliver diplomatic results and offer a credible alternative to armed violence.