The decades-long cause to push toward establishing a state of Palestine has just gotten a big boost out of Europe, as the countries of Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced Wednesday that they would recognize a Palestinian state.

They are the latest to join some 140 countries globally, which constitute more than two-thirds of the United Nations, who recognize a Palestinian state. The formal recognition will take place May 28, and comes as the official Palestinian death toll put out by Gaza’s Health Ministry approaches 36,000 since Oct.7.

This is also yet another blow to Israel’s reputation on the world stage coming the very same week the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Netanyahu and his defense chief.

Norway led the announcement among the three countries, with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre saying, “In the midst of a war, with tens of thousands killed and injured, we must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” He declared this means “Two states, living side by side, in peace and security.”

Shortly following this Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said from Dublin that this move will “offer hope and encouragement to the people of Palestine at one of their darkest hours.”

And Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in an address to parliament sought to emphasize that “This recognition is not against anyone, it is not against the Israeli people.” He characterized that it is “an act in favor of peace, justice and moral consistency.”

Israel’s reaction has been fierce and swift, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz confirming he immediately recalled Israel’s ambassadors to Oslo, Dublin and Madrid while ordering a “severe Démarche” all of their envoys in Israel.

“History will remember that Spain, Norway, and Ireland decided to award a gold medal to Hamas murderers and rapists,” Katz said.

JUST IN: Spain will officially recognize the State of Palestine on May 28.

“Echoing the majority feeling of the Spanish people, next Tuesday, May 28, Spain will approve in its Council of Ministers the recognition of the State of Palestine.” pic.twitter.com/cClNi3SxFj

— Truth In Media (@Truth_InMedia) May 22, 2024

Head of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, President Mahmoud Abbas, hailed the three countries’ recognition and urged all other nations to “recognize our legitimate rights and support the struggle of our people for liberation and independence.”

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in follow-up told the Associated Press, “We used to think that recognition would come at the end of a process.” He added: “Now we have realized that recognition should come as an impetus, as a strengthening of a process.”

🚨 Today at 6 p.m. 🇮🇱 (4 p.m. 🇬🇧), a gut-wrenching video will be released showing the violent abduction and treatment of Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy 228 days ago.

These are just some of the screenshots from the horrifying video captured… pic.twitter.com/qLID1CfLhd

— Tzipi Hotovely (@TzipiHotovely) May 22, 2024

Meanwhile, Israel plans to continue hitting back against what it sees as essentially a ‘reward’ for terrorism. The Times of Israel announced Wednesday in a headline: “Footage to be released of abduction of soldiers Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy.”