Spain and Ireland spearhead discussions within the EU to officially recognize Palestine, reflecting a shift in stance amidst escalating violence in Gaza
In response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and mounting international scrutiny over Israel’s military actions, a notable shift is occurring within the European Union regarding the recognition of Palestinian statehood. This movement is predominantly led by Spain and Ireland, who are advocating for a collective European approach to acknowledge Palestine as a sovereign state.
The Prime Ministers of Spain and Ireland, Pedro Sanchez and Simon Harris respectively, are scheduled to convene in Dublin this Friday to deliberate on a unified strategy for recognizing Palestinian statehood. This meeting is part of a series of discussions aimed at rallying support for Palestine within the EU, amid a war that has seen significant casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza.
Spain’s government spokeswoman, Pilar Alegria, expressed a strong desire to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and initiate a peace process conducive to a two-state solution. Sanchez is also planning meetings with leaders from Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, and Belgium to further this cause.
As of now, eight EU member states recognize Palestine as a state. These include Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, Sweden, and Cyprus. The potential addition of Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and Malta could increase the count to twelve, marking a significant shift in the European landscape concerning Palestinian statehood.
Despite these developments, the European Union as a whole has yet to officially recognize Palestine. The stance of major EU countries like Germany and France aligns with the broader international consensus that Palestinian statehood should be recognized in the context of a comprehensive peace agreement with Israel.
Recent comments from European leaders have underscored a growing frustration with Israel’s military tactics. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo criticized the proportionality of Israel’s actions in Gaza, highlighting the severe humanitarian implications of such military strategies.
Globally, the position on Palestinian statehood varies, with 139 out of 193 United Nations member states currently recognizing Palestine. The ongoing conflict has prompted discussions beyond Europe, with countries like Nicaragua and South Africa actively challenging support for Israel in international forums
