Norway moves to recognise Palestinian state, with Spain and Ireland to follow

1. Two-state solution in Israel's 'best interests' - Norway

   Store says Norway believes a two-state solution is in Israel's "best interests".

   And he says Norway's move will take effect quickly - Oslo will recognise a Palestinian state by 28 May.

2. Peace and stability 'predicated' on resolving Palestinian question - Norway

   Store says the ongoing war in Gaza has made it "abundantly clear" that achieving peace and stability must be predicated on resolving the Palestinian question.

   He says the goal is to achieve a state that is "politically cohesive" and derives from the Palestinian Authority.

3. BreakingNorway will recognise a Palestinian state - PM

   Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store says the country will recognise a Palestinian state - confirming earlier reports.

   Will bring you more quotes from Oslo very shortly.

4. How many countries have recognised a Palestinian state?

   At least 140 countries have recognised a Palestinian state, according to a recent letter to the UN.

   That includes members of the 22-nation Arab Group at the United Nations, the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the 120-member Non-Aligned Movement.

   The UK and the US are among nations that do not formally recognise a Palestinian state.

   Earlier this year, foreign secretary Lord Cameron suggested that the government, alongside its allies, could “look at the issue of recognising a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations”.

   Israel does not recognise Palestinian statehood and the current Israeli government opposes the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza. It argues such a state would be a threat to Israel's existence.

5. What are the Palestinian territories?

   

   BBCCopyright: BBC

   The Palestinian population is divided between historic Palestine and a diaspora, mainly in neighbouring Arab countries.

   Efforts to create a Palestinian state on the West Bank and Gaza have been frustrated by the continuing conflict with Israel.

   Palestinians in the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem have lived under Israeli occupation since 1967. The settlements Israel has built in the West Bank are home to 500,000 people and are deemed to be illegal under international law - although Israel disputes this.

   Palestinians have been striving for self-determination but have achieved only limited control over their affairs.

   The Palestinian political leadership is deeply divided between the Fatah party in the West Bank and its Islamist militant Hamas opponents, who control the Gaza Strip and who are currently engaged in a war with Israel.

   Read more about the Palestinian territories here.

6. What does Israel say?

   Norway, Spain, and Ireland are yet to make their announcements. But Israel has already reacted.

   In a post on X, Israel’s foreign ministry says recognising a Palestinian state “will lead to more terrorism, instability in the region and jeopardize any prospects for peace”.

   "Don’t be a pawn in the hands of Hamas," it says.

   "Progress can only be achieved through direct negotiations within a wider regional context."

7. Welcome to our coverage

   

   EPACopyright: EPA

   A woman with a Palestinian flag in Texas this weekImage caption: A woman with a Palestinian flag in Texas this week

   In the next hour or so, we are expecting Norway, Ireland and Spain to announce plans to formally recognise Palestine as a state.

   Countries supporting the creation of a Palestinian state believe it will help progress peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.

   But Israel says it will only increase instability.

   Stay with us as we bring you all the latest news and analysis from around Europe and the world.