Norway has officially recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, a move aimed at revitalizing the long-stalled peace process between "Israelis" and Palestinians.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced this significant decision amid escalating violence in Gaza, emphasizing the necessity of a two-state solution for lasting peace in the region.

"Amid a devastating war, with countless lives lost and many more injured, we must uphold the only viable political solution for both Israelis and Palestinians: two states, living in peace and security," Prime Minister Støre stated.

Norway's recognition of Palestine was a strategic shift from its previous stance, which linked recognition to the achievement of a peace agreement. 

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide highlighted that Norway’s recognition is intended to strengthen moderate factions in the protracted conflict. He noted that the ongoing expansion of "Israeli" settlements and the lack of fundamental rights for Palestinians have exacerbated the situation, making a two-state solution more urgent than ever.

The recognition was aligned with international efforts to reinvigorate the peace process. Recently, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution affirming Palestine's qualifications for full UN membership, with an overwhelming majority of 143 countries supporting it.

Norway’s decision was also part of a broader initiative, supported by key Arab states and European allies, to draft a comprehensive peace vision.

Prime Minister Støre stressed that recognizing Palestine is not just symbolic but a crucial step towards a viable solution. "There can be no peace in the Middle East without a Palestinian state," he said.

The recognition came as a response to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the ongoing Israeli Occupation aggression has intensified calls for a political resolution.

Minister Eide pointed out that the failure to achieve peace has led to economic instability and a loss of hope among Palestinians, further necessitating immediate international action.