Spain and Norway have formally recognised a Palestinian state, with Ireland due to follow suit, in a decision slammed by Israel as a “reward” for Hamas, more than seven months into the devastating Gaza conflict, AFP reports.

As Oslo’s formal recognition went into effect, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide hailed the move as “a special day for Norway-Palestine relations”.

“Norway has been one of the most fervent defenders of a Palestinian state for more than 30 years,” he added.

Shortly afterwards, Spain followed suit, with government spokeswoman Pilar Alegria confirming the cabinet had formally recognised Palestinian statehood, qualifying it as “a historic day”.

Earlier, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said such recognition was “an essential requirement” for peace, insisting the move was “not against anyone, least of all Israel” and was the only way to secure a future “Palestinian state living side-by-side with the state of Israel in peace and security”.

The decision also reflected Spain’s “outright rejection of Hamas, which is against the two-state solution” and whose October 7 attacks led to the Gaza conflict, he added.

Ahead of his own cabinet meeting, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said it was “an important moment” that sent a signal “that there are practical actions you can take as a country to help keep the hope… of a two-state solution alive”.