Why Norway's recognition of a Palestinian state matters
Dozens of countries have recognized a Palestinian state, but Norway's announcement on Wednesday that it would do so had added significance because it hosted the clandestine meetings in 1993 that led to the Oslo Accords, the peace framework that came close to the resolution of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Ultimately it failed.Norway calls itself a friend of Israel and the two countries have a long-standing relationship. But since October 7, when Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza in response to Hamas-led attacks, Norway has also sharply condemned Israel's conduct of the war. Norway's foreign minister said in March that "Israel's use of military force is having a disproportionately severe impact on the civilian population and is not in line wi...