Spain to recognize Palestinian statehood

Spain is set to recognize Palestine as a state in a move that could trigger similar acknowledgements from Western nations and, possibly, the European Union.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez unveiled his intention to recognize Palestine during an official visit to Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Sanchez, who has been strongly critical of Israel's offensive in Gaza, said Spain could recognize Palestine as soon as July. But he added that his country would also be "attentive to the decisions that will be taken (by the United Nations) in Brussels and New York".

"We have to think seriously about doing it in the first half of this year," he told reporters, as Israel faced condemnation for killing seven aid workers during its war against Hamas that began in the aftermath of Hamas terror attacks in Israel on Oct 7 that killed around 1,200 Israelis. Since then, about 32,000 people have died in Gaza in retaliatory strikes, according to the Palestinian authorities.

Sanchez's cabinet has the power to recognize Palestine without needing approval from Spain's Parliament.

Sanchez said he would also like to see the EU consider recognizing Palestine.

The bloc has said it supports a two-state solution to tension between Palestinians and Israelis, but it has stopped short of recognizing Palestine as a state.

The Financial Times quoted a senior Spanish government official as saying that Spain believes recognizing Palestine as a nation inhabiting what is now the Israeli-controlled West Bank and Gaza Strip would be an important step toward finding a two-state solution.

Other EU member states, including Malta, Slovenia, and Ireland, have also expressed support for recognizing Palestine, and signed a joint declaration in March detailing their "readiness to recognize Palestine" at a time when it could "make a positive contribution and the circumstances are right".

EU member Sweden has already formally recognized Palestine. In addition, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania have all also recognized Palestine, although they did so before joining the bloc.

Spain's state news agency EFE said Sanchez told reporters he believes there will soon be a "critical mass" within the EU calling for the bloc to recognize Palestine.

He added that he will use his visit to the Middle East to also try to persuade nations including Saudi Arabia and Qatar to recognize Israel's right to exist, something that would be needed for a two-state solution to work.

EFE said Sanchez made the remarks informally, to journalists accompanying him on his state visit. His comments have been widely reported in Spain, in newspapers including El Pais and La Vanguardia.

Sanchez also said the time was approaching when Palestine will be asked to join the UN. Since 1988, 139 of its 193 members have recognized Palestinian statehood.