Norway, Ireland and Spain will recognize a Palestinian state in a historic move. Several European Union countries indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region. Israel launched its war in Gaza after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, when militants stormed southern Israel, killed about 1,200 people and abducted about 250. At least 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated over the past two weeks since Israel launched an incursion into Rafah that closed a vital border crossing, vowing to root out Hamas fighters.
