MADRID, Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain announced on Tuesday that Spain would officially recognize a Palestinian state, encompassing the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
This decision, set to be formally approved later in the day, marks a historic moment for Spain and the Palestinian cause. Prime Minister Sanchez emphasized that Spain’s recognition aligns with the resolutions of the United Nations and reflects a commitment to justice for the Palestinian people.
He underscored the unprecedented persecution faced by Palestinians and stressed that peace-building is a collective responsibility.
The announcement comes on the heels of similar declarations from Norway and Ireland, further isolating Israel diplomatically. Norway, Ireland, and now Spain have all committed to recognizing Palestine, with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store emphasizing the need to support moderate voices amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris hailed the move as historic and crucial for both Ireland and Palestine. However, Israel swiftly responded by recalling its envoys from Ireland and Norway, labeling the recognition as a “prize for terrorism” and warning of increased extremism and instability in the region.
Spain’s decision has drawn sharp criticism from Israel, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemning the move and accusing Spain of endangering the two-state solution. Katz warned that recognizing Palestine risks aligning with Iran and Hamas, undermining efforts for a negotiated resolution.
Nonetheless, Spain remains resolute in its decision, with Sanchez condemning Israeli policies in Gaza as a threat to the two-state solution and emphasizing Spain’s commitment to peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The recognition of Palestine by Spain, Norway, and Ireland underscores growing international support for Palestinian statehood and highlights diplomatic tensions between European nations and Israel. While the formal recognition of a Palestinian state has long been viewed as the end goal of peace negotiations, recent events have prompted a reevaluation of traditional diplomatic approaches.
Spain’s bold move signals a shift in European foreign policy towards greater support for Palestinian rights and aspirations, challenging the status quo and paving the way for renewed momentum in the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.
