Spain to recognize state of Palestine

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that the country will recognize the state of Palestine.

Addressing the Spanish Congress, Sánchez announced that Spain will approve the recognition of the Palestinian state next Tuesday, May 28. 

The Socialist executive leader said it is necessary to "move from words to action," and hopes that the decision will tell the millions of Palestinians who are suffering "that we are with them and that there is hope."

"No matter how many walls are erected, towns are bombed, and illegal settlements are built, the land and identity of Palestine will continue to exist in our hearts, in international law, and to the future project of a Mediterranean region in harmony."

Spain's recognition of Palestine is done in coordination with Ireland and Norway. Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, announced on Wednesday that Oslo will recognize the Palestinian state on Tuesday, May 28, a date that would coincide with the next executive council meeting of Pedro Sánchez's government.

The announcement comes shortly after the international tour deployed by Spain to get support for its recognition as a state. On April 18, Sánchez assessed this diplomatic initiative "very positively" and noted similarities with other European partners who are also concerned about Israel's military offensive in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

During his appearance in Congress, Sánchez recalled that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued with the "destruction of Gaza," where thousands of civilians have died in recent weeks.

Sánchez also underlined his commitment to a Spanish foreign policy consistent with the "pacifist" nature of the Spanish people, who express their rejection of the "Gaza massacre."

"The government is aware and consistent with the pacifist feeling of the Spanish people," he said.

"Netanyahu continues to bomb hospitals and schools and punish more than a million children with cold terror, to the point that the Prosecutor's Office of the International Criminal Court has asked for his arrest," Sánchez said.

For the PM, it has become clear that "Netanyahu has no a peace project for Palestine," because "his offensive will only succeed in perpetuating hatred, worsening security prospects for Israel, and projecting an unworkable future."

Israel calls ambassadors for consultations

Israel has called its ambassador to Spain in for consultations, while also summoning the Spanish ambassador to Tel-Aviv for a meeting. The country has already "instructed for the immediate recall” of its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway.

Israel's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz, called Spain, Norway, and Ireland's announcements to recognize the Palestinian state as "madness" and a "prize" for terrorism.

In a message on social media platform 'X', Katz warned that the recognition of Palestine will have "serious consequences."

"Israel will not remain silent," he said, claiming that the recognition of Palestine is an "injustice to the memory of the victims" of Hamas attacks, a "blow to efforts" to free hostages, amas and "damages the possibility of peace and Israel's right to defend itself."