Why Norway's Recognition of a Palestinian State Carries Significance

Scores of countries have recognized a Palestinian state, but Norway’s recent announcement carries added significance due to its hosting of the Oslo Accords meetings in 1993. The framework for peace between Israel and Palestinians ultimately failed. Norway, a self-proclaimed friend of Israel, has sharply condemned Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza. In March, Norway’s foreign minister called for a ceasefire and criticized Israel’s use of military force. Norway also continued to fund the main U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, despite other countries stopping their contributions. The Oslo Accords established the Palestinian Authority and aimed to achieve limited Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Norway’s prime minister sees the recognition of Palestine as an investment in lasting peace in the Middle East and calls for other countries to follow suit.