MADRID: Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, is set to address parliament to clarify Spain’s stance on recognizing a Palestinian state amidst escalating tensions with Israel due to his criticism of the Gaza war.
Sanchez’s remarks come after a recent trip to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, where he condemned an Israeli drone strike that killed seven humanitarian aid workers from the World Central Kitchen in Gaza.
Sanchez’s outspoken comments on Israel’s actions in Gaza have strained diplomatic relations, prompting Israel to recall its envoy and express outrage over his remarks questioning the legality of Israeli actions. Despite criticism, Sanchez has advocated for recognizing a Palestinian state outside the framework of negotiated peace, aligning with Spain’s previous calls and recent statements from EU leaders.
Spain’s potential recognition of Palestine could influence broader European and international recognition, according to former Israeli ambassador Alon Liel, who sees Spain’s stance as pivotal in reshaping diplomatic efforts for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This move underscores Spain’s evolving foreign policy, which has navigated diplomatic relations with Israel since establishing formal ties in 1986.
