Spain and Norway, along with Ireland, became the most recent countries to recognize Palestinian statehood on Tuesday, drawing anger from Israel.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said that the day would “remain etched in Spanish history” after the Cabinet approved the move.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also hailed the “milestone” moment as the decision to recognize a Palestinian state came into effect.
The three European countries had planned a simultaneous recognition in the hopes that its symbolism would spur other countries to also commit to recognition, however, on the same day the Danish parliament voted down a proposal for such a move.
“It’s the only way of advancing toward what everyone recognizes as the only possible solution to achieve a peaceful future, one of a Palestinian state that lives side by side with the Israeli state in peace and security,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised address before the Cabinet meeting.
Israel has repeatedly condemned the move and on Tuesday its foreign minister accused Sanchez of inciting the genocide of Jews.
Israel’s operations in Gaza, especially its most recent move into Rafah, have left it increasingly isolated on the international stage.
Following recognition by Spain, Norway and Ireland, the number of UN member states that recognize a Palestinian state has increased to 146 out of 193, according to Albares. Three permanent UN Security Council members — France, the UK and the US — do not recognize it, though.
