Ireland, Norway and Spain said Wednesday they would recognize a Palestinian state for the first time, in a move the countries believe will help advance peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Israel said it was a “distorted step” that will “fuel extremism and instability.”

The diplomatic decision, while rare, is largely symbolic. It won’t immediately impact the Israel-Hamas war. The trio of nations hope their announcement, which takes effect May 28, will inject momentum into a stalled political process that could lead to a halt in fighting and also apply pressure on Israel to move toward a two-state solution.

“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: Two states, living side by side, in peace and security,” said Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

In Dublin, Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris said “from our own history, we know what it (recognition) means,” a reference to Ireland’s independence from the U.K. in 1921. “But let me also be clear, Hamas is not the Palestinian people. Today’s decision to recognize Palestine is taken to help create a peaceful future.”

Spain’s leader Pedro Sanchez said the recognition reflected public opinion in his country and was also the right thing to do. “This recognition is not against Israel, is not against the Jews,” he said.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz immediately ordered the return to Israel of the Israeli ambassadors in Ireland, Norway and Spain. In a video released on Tuesday, Israel’s foreign ministry warned that “recognizing a Palestinian state will lead to more terrorism, instability in the region and jeopardize any prospects for peace.”