Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has reiterated his country’s commitment to “recognize the state of Palestine before July.”
Albares confirmed in a statement Spain’s intention to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, aligning with the previously stated position by the president, before July, as per the minister’s statement.
During an interview with state-owned radio RNE, Albares emphasized Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s strong determination towards this goal.
Sanchez “has a very firm will for it. We are talking with our European partners, as well as our Arab partners,” Albares said.
He highlighted that Spain is engaged in an active dialogue with global actors to establish a “realistic and viable” Palestinian state, which is crucial for peace in the Middle East.
The foreign minister proposed the establishment of a Palestinian national authority, which would focus on delivering “basic services” and ensuring “territorial continuity.”
Albares suggested the authority’s connection with a corridor and access to Gaza’s seaport, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Expressing the need for political will to implement the established formula, Albares stressed the importance of commitment.
In a statement posted on X, Albares conveyed Spain’s steadfast support for a Gaza ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid access, and the recognition of the Palestinian state, underscoring Spain’s efforts for peace.
“I have spoken with the new Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Mustafa,” he wrote.
“I have conveyed to him Spain’s firm commitment to the ceasefire in Gaza, unhindered entry of humanitarian aid, and the recognition of the Palestinian state. Spain is working for peace.”
Sanchez has been a staunch critic of Israel’s Gaza offensive since the start of the conflict, standing out in a cautious and divided Europe.
Following the killing of seven aid workers with the World Central Kitchen, he described the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “supposed explanations” as “totally unacceptable and insufficient.”
He added that Spain was waiting for a full and detailed account of the killings before deciding “what action we’ll take with regard to the government of Prime Minister Netanyahu.”
Sanchez is now leading an initiative to push his EU partners to recognize a Palestinian state and take concrete action over Israel’s conduct of the war.
In an interview with Al-Jazeera, Sanchez said Israel’s actions in Gaza could even lead the EU to debate “whether we continue with this strategic relation or not”.
Palestine Chronicle
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