May 28, 2024: Madrid, Spain – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Tuesday morning that his government will approve a measure to formally recognize Palestinian statehood later in the day.
“This is a historic decision that has a single goal — to contribute to achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians,” Sanchez said during a speech in Madrid.
He clarified that Spain will recognize the Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, acknowledging only those changes mutually agreed upon by both parties. “Although it’s not up to Spain to define the borders of other nations, our position is aligned with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and with the position traditionally held by the European Union,” he stated.
Sanchez emphasized that the Palestinian state should be viable, with the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor and East Jerusalem as its capital. He also stressed that Spain will recognize a unified Palestinian state governed by the Palestinian Authority, describing it as “our partner for peace.”
The Prime Minister made it clear that this recognition is not a move against Israel but a rejection of Hamas, which opposes the two-state solution. “This decision shows our direct rejection of Hamas,” he stressed.
Sanchez highlighted that the decision is in line with international law and the principles of a rules-based order. “Today’s decision is based on international law and respect for the rules-based order — principles that guide us no matter what the context,” he said.
From tomorrow, Sanchez’s focus will shift to pushing for a viable two-state solution to bring lasting peace to the region. He outlined several priorities to achieve this goal, including ending the crisis in Gaza, achieving a permanent ceasefire, ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian aid, and securing the release of all Israeli hostages.
In addition, Spain will support the reforms of the Palestinian Authority. “It will need all our support,” Sanchez noted.
Spain will also foster cooperation with partners committed to peace and prosperity in the region to convene an international peace conference aimed at implementing the two-state solution. “With today’s decision, we assume our responsibility in the search for peace, security, and prosperity of all people,” Sanchez concluded.
Norway and Ireland are also set to formally recognize Palestinian statehood on Tuesday.–News Desk