Danish Parliament to Vote on Proposal to Recognize Palestinian State

PRAGUE, Czech Republic — Following decisions by Norway, Ireland, and Spain to recognize Palestine as a state, the Danish parliament is set to vote on a similar proposal Tuesday, as reported by state-run media.

The Danish Broadcasting Corporation cited Trine Pertou Mach, the foreign affairs spokesman for the opposition Red-Green Alliance, who urged the government to support the proposal. “The government parties will also have a chance to vote for this when we vote next week. And I would like to clearly urge the government to change its position and follow Norway and the other European countries,” Mach stated.

The proposal, backed by the Red-Green Alliance, the Social Liberals, the Alternative, and the Socialist People’s Party, calls for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state. However, the Danish government has indicated it will not support the resolution. Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen remarked, “To be a state, you have to have a territory you have control over and some authorities that can control it. And that is not exactly the situation right now.”

Rasmussen noted the complexities, citing Hamas’ control in Gaza and the current Israeli government’s stance on a two-state solution. In response, Mach emphasized the need for political recognition to facilitate future negotiations. “It starts with Palestine also being recognized as an independent state, so that the two parties are more equal in the negotiations that are to come,” Mach said.

Despite the push from opposition parties, the government’s stance suggests the proposal lacks sufficient support to pass.

The move by Denmark follows recent announcements by Norway, Ireland, and Spain to recognize Palestine as a state, effective May 28. These developments occur amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel’s offensive has led to significant casualties and destruction.

Eight other European countries have previously recognized Palestine: Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Sweden, and the Greek Cypriot administration.

Since October 7, 2023, more than 35,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed and nearly 80,000 injured. Gaza remains devastated by war and a blockade restricting essential supplies.

Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has mandated it to prevent acts of genocide and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza’s civilians.–News Desk