Israel has condemned the move, recalled its ambassadors and warned recognition would lead to “more terrorism and instability.” 

Norway will recognize an independent Palestinian state as of May 28, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Wednesday.

“There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition,” he said. “By recognizing a Palestinian state, Norway supports the Arab peace plan.” 

Israel has been at war with the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas since the October 7 terror attacks that killed around 1,200 people in Israel.

“The terror has been committed by Hamas and militant groups who are not supporters of a two-state solution and the state of Israel,” the Norwegian government leader said.

Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by the US, the EU, Israel and others.

The expected announcement came at a press conference on Wednesday, focusing on the Middle East.