Oslo, May 29 (RHC)-- In Oslo, the capital of Norway, Raymond Johansen, the secretary-general of Norwegian People’s Aid, says he hopes as more countries recognize Palestinian statehood, it will pressure Israel to find a negotiated solution to the conflict in Gaza.

“It’s very far away from negotiations between parties right now, but [Norway’s decision to recognize Palestine] was a step in the right direction,” the former Norwegian state secretary for foreign affairs told Al Jazeera.  

Johansen added that if Washington changes its policy and “puts pressure on Israel”, then there will be a change in the peace process.

“But not before that, because definitely, the Israeli government has so much self-confidence in what they are doing, saying they will ‘clean up’ everything.  So far, they have been able to continue because the resistance towards their policy has not been strong enough,” he said.