Sanchez Recognizing Palestinian Statehood Vital for Peace

Photo : Reuters

MADRID: Recognizing Palestinian statehood is an "essential" step for achieving peace in the Middle East, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated on Tuesday. His government, along with Ireland and Norway, is poised to take this formal step.

In a brief address before a cabinet meeting, Sanchez emphasized, "Recognition of the state of Palestine is not only a matter of historic justice but also an essential requirement for achieving peace." He stressed that this recognition is not intended as a stance against anyone, particularly Israel.

Israel has strongly criticized this move, describing it as a "reward" for the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, which governs Gaza. Sanchez countered this criticism by asserting, "It is the only way to move towards the solution we all recognize as the only possible path to a peaceful future: a Palestinian state living side-by-side with the state of Israel in peace and security."

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Sanchez also highlighted that the recognition of Palestinian statehood is a clear demonstration of Spain's rejection of Hamas, which does not recognize Israel's right to exist. He pointed out that Hamas' unprecedented attacks on October 7 triggered the ongoing Gaza war. "This decision also reflects our outright rejection of Hamas, which opposes the two-state solution," he said.

On Tuesday, Spain, Ireland, and Norway will formally recognize the Palestinian state, a decision that Israel has condemned as a "reward" for Hamas, more than seven months into the devastating Gaza conflict. The three nations believe their initiative holds significant symbolic value and could encourage other countries to follow suit.

The Gaza war began when Hamas militants launched an incursion into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. The militants also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 that the Israeli army reports as dead.

In response, Israel has conducted a severe military offensive that has led to the deaths of over 36,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.