By Riyaz ul Khaliq
ISTANBUL (AA) - The recognition of Palestine as a state by three European nations is a step "closer" to peace in the Middle East, the Malaysian prime minister said Friday.
“I congratulate the governments of Ireland, Norway, and Spain for being on the right side of history, humanity, and justice,” Anwar Ibrahim said.
Early this week, Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced that they will formally recognize Palestinian statehood next Tuesday.
With this, the number of UN member states which recognize Palestine as a full state has climbed to 143.
In retaliation, Israel summoned the nations’ ambassadors in Tel Aviv, filming and broadcasting the three diplomats as they were forced to watch violent footage from the Oct. 7 attacks.
The intention of the three European nations to recognize the state of Palestine “is an acknowledgment of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, sovereignty, and dignity,” said the Malaysian prime minister on X.
“This milestone moves us closer to achieving a just peace in the Middle East,” said Anwar.
“For all other governments who have not done so, know this: the world is waking up to the Palestinian cause, and their pursuit of justice will not be denied. Join us in righting the course of history,” he added.
The recognition of the Palestinian state comes as Israel has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the enclave.
At least 35,800 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 80,200 others injured since last October following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.
More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.
Israel is accused of genocide at the ICJ, which has ordered it to ensure that its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.