Comment on Spain, Ireland and Norway say they will recognize a Palestinian state. Why does that matter?

By The Associated Press Spain, Ireland and Norway said Wednesday that they would recognize a Palestinian state on May 28, a step toward a long-held Palestinian aspiration that came amid international outrage over the civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s offensive. The almost simultaneous decisions by two European Union countries, and Norway, may generate momentum for the recognition of a Palestinian state by other EU countries and could spur further steps at the United Nations, deepening Israel’s isolation. Currently, seven member of the 27-nation European Union officially recognize a Palestinian state.