Spain’s recognition of the Palestinian state
Pedro Sánchez explained today how Spain will recognize the Palestinian state. In a statement from the Moncloa palace, before the Council of Ministers meeting that must ratify this decision, the President of the Government emphasized that the main objective is peace between Palestinians and Israelis. Furthermore, he has expressed a desire to maintain the best possible relationship with Israel.
Sánchez has detailed Spain’s vision for the Palestinian state, highlighting the importance of it being viable, with the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor and with East Jerusalem as its capital, unified under the legitimate government of the Palestinian National Authority.
Alignment with international resolutions
The Spanish president has clarified that it is not up to his government to define the borders of other countries, but has indicated that the Spanish vision is aligned with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and the position maintained by the European Union. In this sense, he has emphasized that no changes will be recognized in the 1967 border lines that are not agreed upon by both parties.
Repercussions and international context
With this decision, Spain joins a list of 140 states that have already recognized Palestine. The decision has been communicated in Spanish and English, and has been taken in coordination with Ireland and Norway.
Position on Hamas and call for a two-state solution
During his appearance, Sánchez reiterated that the decision does not go against anyone, and has expressed his government’s frontal and resounding rejection of Hamas, considering it a terrorist organization that is against the two-state solution. Likewise, he has called to concentrate efforts on the two-state solution, with the priority of ending the crisis in the Gaza Strip.
International reactions
Israel’s Foreign Minister has reacted harshly to the news, accusing Pedro Sánchez of being an ‘accomplice’ in ‘inciting the murder of the Jewish people’. He has compared the decision to recognize the Palestinian state to advocating for it to extend ‘from the river to the sea.’
Defense of international principles
Sánchez has reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, highlighting the importance of respecting law and the rules-based international order, both in Gaza and Ukraine.
