Spain, Ireland and Norway announced Wednesday that they will recognize a Palestinian State on May 28. This is a step towards a long-held Palestinian desire that comes amid international outrage at the death toll of civilians and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip after Israel’s offensive.

Norway, Ireland and other countries have made a historic decision by recognizing a Palestinian State. Here you can follow live updates.

Two European Union countries and Norway making almost identical decisions could create momentum to recognize a Palestinian State by other EU nations. This may also lead to further steps being taken at the United Nations and increase Israel’s isolation. Malta and Slovenia may also follow, as they are both members of the 27-nation European Union.

About 140 out of the 190 countries represented at the U.N. have recognized a Palestinian State.

Here is a look at the reasons and how new European announcements may be important.

Why does it matter?

In 1948, the U.N. created Israel with a Palestinian state in mind. But 70 years on, control of Palestinian territories is still divided and U.N. membership bids have been rejected.

The United States, Britain, and other Western nations have supported the idea of an independent Palestinian State existing alongside Israel to solve the Middle East’s most difficult conflict. However, they insist that Palestinian statehood must be part of a negotiated solution. Since 2009, there have been no substantive talks.

The EU and Norway will not recognize an existing state but only the possibility of a new one. This symbolism is a way to boost the international standing of the Palestinians and put more pressure on Israel for opening negotiations with aims to end the war.

The move also gives the Middle East issue more prominence ahead of the June 6-9 European Parliament elections, where 370,000,000 people will be eligible to vote, and an extreme right rise is expected.

Why now?

As the war with Hamas enters its eighth month, diplomatic pressure has increased on Israel. On May 11, the U.N. General Assembly approved granting new “rights and priviledges” to Palestine by a large margin, a sign that international support is growing for a vote to give Palestine full voting rights. The Palestine Authority has currently been granted observer status.

In March, the leaders of Spain and Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia stated that they would consider recognizing a Palestinian State as “a positive step” towards ending the war.

The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated Wednesday that “This recognition does not have anything against anyone. It is not directed against the Israelis.” It is an act of support for peace, justice and moral consistency.

What are the implications of recognition?

While dozens have recognized Palestine as a state, none of the Western major powers has. It is not clear how the move of the three countries will affect the situation.

Their recognition would still be a major accomplishment for Palestinians who feel it will give international legitimacy to their struggle.

In the short-term, little would change. The peace talks have stalled and Israel’s hardliner government is refusing to recognize a Palestinian state.

ISRAEL RESPONDS WHAT IS THE REACTION?

Israel responded quickly by recalling Wednesday its ambassadors in Ireland, Norway and Spain.

Israel’s government has slammed the idea of Palestinian independence, calling it a “reward” from Hamas for its Oct. 7, 2008 attack on Southern Israel which killed over 1,200 people. It also led to the kidnapping of more than 250 other Palestinians. It rejects all attempts to legitimize Palestinians on the international stage.

Israel, which insists that all issues must be resolved through negotiation, says that steps like those taken by the three European nations on Wednesday will only harden the Palestinian position.

Israel responds often to decisions taken by foreign countries that are deemed to be against its interests. It summons the ambassadors of those countries and punishes the Palestinians with measures like freezing tax transfers for the cash-strapped Palestinian Authority.

Who recognizes Palestine as a state?

More than two thirds of all UN members, 140 countries, have recognized Palestine.

Some major powers may have changed their position in response to the growing outcry against Israel’s Gaza offensive, which according to the Gaza Health Ministry has resulted in the deaths of more than 35 000 Palestinians. The ministry’s count does not differentiate between noncombatants or fighters

David Cameron, British Foreign Secretary, said that no recognition of Palestine would come as long as Hamas is in Gaza. However it may happen if Israeli negotiations with Palestinian leaders are in progress.

In February, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that it is not “taboo’ for France to recognise a Palestinian State.