Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, has confirmed Madrid’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine before July, marking a significant shift in Spain’s diplomatic stance. Emphasizing the need for a genuine Palestinian state, Albares rejects perpetual refugee status for Palestinians, aligning Spain with principles of self-determination and sovereignty.
“We need a real Palestinian state,” Albares said at a meeting with journalists in Brussels. “The Palestinian people must not be condemned to forever be refugees.”
This change in position comes after Spain’s parliament passed a non-binding resolution supporting Palestinian statehood in 2014, with former Prime Ministers Mariano Rajoy and Pedro Sánchez advocating alignment with the European Union’s stance. The decision is attributed to civilian casualties from recent conflicts and the stalled peace negotiations, prompting Spain to take a more proactive approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has criticized Israeli military operations in Gaza, demanding explanations for civilian casualties, while expressing solidarity with both Palestinians and Israelis affected by the conflict. Sánchez’s suggestion that Spain may recognize Palestine before summer underscores the country’s commitment to international law and human rights principles.
Spain’s potential recognition of Palestine, along with other EU members expressing readiness to do so, reflects a growing global consensus towards Palestinian statehood. This move is viewed as a positive development for peace efforts in the region and highlights the importance of international solidarity in addressing conflicts and promoting lasting peace. Spain’s readiness to recognize Palestine signifies a departure from previous diplomatic approaches, signaling a more proactive stance on the Middle East peace process.
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