International recognition of the State of Palestine

Türkiye appreciates Spain's support for the Palestinian cause, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Friday.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to attend a meeting of the Gaza Contact Group on Friday in Madrid.

The group, formed by members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, aims to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a key meeting of the Gaza Contact Group, established by two main Islamic organizations, in Madrid, where efforts for giving an end to the Israeli offensive through a permanent agreement and recognition of Palestine as a full state will be discussed.

The Contact Group, established by the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, will travel to Brussels to hold talks with the European Union on the need for a permanent ceasefire in the Israeli-Hamas war and increasing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians stranded in the enclave.

President Biden has emphasized that the creation of a Palestinian state should occur through negotiations rather than unilateral recognition. This stance follows announcements from Spain, Ireland, and Norway indicating their plans to recognize Palestine later this month.

Norway has announced its intention to recognize Palestine as an independent state, revealed Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre today, confirming previous reports. Støre emphasized that this decision aligns with Israel's interests and serves to preserve the possibility of a political resolution, allowing both Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully.

Norway, Ireland and Spain announced on Wednesday that they will recognize a Palestinian state from May 28, sparking delight from Palestinian leaders and fury from Israel.

The three nations hope other countries will follow but Europe remains split over the issue as the Israel-Hamas war rages. France said it was not the right time to give recognition however.

Spain, Ireland, and other EU nations are intending to acknowledge Palestine's statehood on May 21, as stated by Josep Borrell, the EU's top diplomat for foreign and security policy, reported by Reuters. This announcement comes ahead of the anticipated UN vote on the Palestinian bid for full membership in the global body.

In a move sparking controversy and diplomatic ripples, the United States wielded its veto power at the United Nations to thwart a resolution advocating for the recognition of a Palestinian state. The resolution, which recommended granting Palestine full membership in the organization, faced staunch opposition from the US, resulting in its ultimate rejection.

The Palestinian delegation to the United Nations is pushing for a vote to be recognized as a full member state next month, Ambassador Riyad Mansour has said, a move opposed by the United States.

"We are seeking admission. That is our natural and legal right," Mansour said, adding that he was pushing for an April 18 vote at the Security Council.