Palestine (Washington Insider Magazine)— The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, met on Wednesday with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Mustafa, and other senior officials from several Middle Eastern countries in Madrid a day after Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognized a state Palestinian.
Recognition by Western European Nations
According to the Sandiego Union Tribune, Israel has criticized the diplomatic move by Spain, Ireland, and Norway and is not expected to affect the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, it is seen as a triumph for the Palestinians and may urge other Western nations to follow suit.
Palestinian Prime Minister’s Statements
“On behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas, the government of Palestine, and the Palestinian people, we welcome with great satisfaction Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine,” Mustafa stated after the meeting. “This recognition reinforces our determination to continue our fight for a just and lasting peace.”
Attendance of Middle Eastern Leaders
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan also participated, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the president of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hussain Ibrahim Taha, and the foreign ministers of Turkey and Jordan, who are part of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gaza. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares was also present.
Recognition of Palestinian State
More than 140 countries now recognize a Palestinian state, more than two-thirds of the United Nations. With the admission of Spain and Ireland, nine of the European Union’s 27 members officially recognize a Palestinian state. While Norway is not an EU member, it normally coordinates its foreign policy with the bloc.
Upcoming Decision by Slovenia
Slovenia, also an EU member, is set to decide on the recognition of a Palestinian state on Thursday, with the initiative being forwarded to parliament for final approval.
Calls for European Support
“We applaud Spain, and we applaud Norway, Ireland, and Slovenia for doing the right thing. We urge other European partners to do the same,” said Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.
Impact on EU-Israel Relations
The decision to recognize a Palestinian state has strained relations between the European Union and Israel. Madrid and Dublin are urging the EU to take action against Israel for its continued attacks on Rafah in southern Gaza.
Background of the Conflict
The official recognition by Spain, Ireland, and Norway comes more than seven months after the conflict between Israel and Hamas began, following a Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel on October 7, which claimed the lives of 1,200 and kidnapped around 250. Israel’s frequent air and ground campaign has led to the deaths of 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties.
