Spain’s recognition of the Palestinian state
Pedro Sánchez explained today what Spain’s recognition of the Palestinian state will look like. In an appearance from the Moncloa palace, the president of the Spanish government stated that the main objective is to promote peace between Palestinians and Israelis. In addition, he has expressed the desire to maintain a good relationship with Israel. Sanchez detailed Spain’s vision of Palestinian statehood, which includes a viable Palestine with the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor, East Jerusalem as the capital and a unified government under the Palestinian National Authority.
Spain’s position on the borders
The Spanish president has made it clear that it is not his government’s responsibility to define the borders of other countries. However, he has affirmed that Spain’s position coincides with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and with the position of the European Union. Sánchez has stressed that no changes to the 1967 border lines will be recognized that are not agreed upon by the two parties.
International recognition of Palestine
With this decision, Spain joins a list of 140 states that have already recognized Palestine as a state. The decision has been taken in coordination with Ireland and Norway. Pedro Sánchez emphasized that this decision is not against anyone, especially Israel, with whom he wants to maintain a good relationship. He has also made it clear that the Spanish government rejects the Hamas group, considering it a terrorist organization that opposes the two-state solution.
International meetings
Pedro Sánchez recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During a joint press conference, Sánchez affirmed that his government always acts respecting international law and order, both in Gaza and in Ukraine. He reiterated Spain’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Israel’s reaction
Israel’s foreign minister has reacted to Spain’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state. He has harshly criticized Pedro Sánchez, accusing him of being complicit in the incitement to the murder of the Jewish people. In addition, he has compared the second vice-president of the Spanish government, Yolanda Díaz, with Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, and with Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, for having defended the recognition of the Palestinian state.