Spain to recognise Palestinian state today
The decision has sparked strong reactions from Israel
Spain will officially recognise the Palestinian state today, Tuesday, May 28.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Tuesday said Spain will recognise a Palestinian state including the Gaza Strip and West Bank, unified under the Palestinian National Authority with East Jerusalem as its capital amid the European Union’s widening rift with Israel.
In a televised address, while announcing to recognise Palestine as a state formally, Sánchez said the Spanish Cabinet would recognise the state at its meeting on Tuesday morning.
“The oppression in Palestine is unprecedented and it is our responsibility to establish peace in the region. Acknowledging Palestine complements UN resolutions,” he said.
About recognising the Palestinian state, he said it was a historic occasion. Following this announcement, the number of countries recognising Palestine state has climbed to 146.
The prime minister said his country would not recognise any changes to Palestinian borders after 1967 unless all the parties agreed on them.
Spain, along with Norway and Ireland, has announced its decision to officially recognize the Palestinian state today, May 28, 2024.
This coordinated move aims to promote peace in the Middle East and support the two-state solution as the best path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Israeli government has condemned the move, recalling its ambassadors from Spain, Norway, and Ireland, and warning of serious diplomatic consequences.
Israeli officials have argued that this recognition rewards terrorism and undermines Israel’s security.
This recognition by Spain, Norway, and Ireland aligns with the stance of over 140 countries that already recognize Palestinian statehood and reflects growing international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
