Four European countries, including Spain, have agreed to recognize Palestine as an independent state. The other three countries are Ireland, Malta and Slovenia. They have already taken initial steps to recognize Palestine.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said this after a meeting of the European Council in Brussels on Friday.
On behalf of Spain, Sánchez expressed hope that the recognition would be met within the four-year term of his government, which began last year.
After the meeting, Ireland said in a joint statement, “We agree that the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability is to implement a two-state solution.”
Only then can Israel and the Palestinians live side by side in peace and security.’
Since 1988, 139 of the 193 member states of the United Nations have recognized Palestine as a state.
