Spain Announces Recognition of Palestinian State Amid EU-Israel Tensions

Madrid – Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the Spanish Cabinet will formally recognize a Palestinian state in its Tuesday meeting, amid growing tensions between the European Union and Israel. This decision aligns Spain with Ireland and Norway, who are also set to officially recognize a Palestinian state on the same day.

Standing at the gates of the prime minister’s palace in Madrid, Sánchez described the move as a “historic decision” aimed at fostering peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He further emphasized that this decision was not against Israel but aimed at strengthening ties with all parties involved.

Relations between the EU and Israel deteriorated on Monday, with Spain urging the EU to take action against Israel for its continued military actions in Gaza, specifically in Rafah. Norway, although not an EU member, handed diplomatic papers to the Palestinian government over the weekend in anticipation of its formal recognition.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded by stating that Spain’s consulate in Jerusalem would no longer be permitted to assist Palestinians. In parallel, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell backed the International Criminal Court’s initiative to seek an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders.

Sánchez also called for a permanent ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of hostages taken by Hamas since their attack on October 7, which led to Israel’s extensive military response. He laid out a vision for a Palestinian state governed by the Palestinian National Authority, comprising the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, via a connecting corridor and respecting the 1967 border lines.

On another front, Dr. Christos Christou, global president of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), urged Australia to impose sanctions on Israel and take “immediate, concrete actions” to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. Christou met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, criticizing Israel’s military campaign as “indiscriminate and disproportionate” and accusing it of pursuing a policy of “deliberate deprivation” in Gaza.

In response, Israeli officials have denied these allegations, asserting efforts to minimize civilian impact while targeting Hamas militants embedded within civilian areas. Following a recent airstrike in a Rafah tent camp that killed 45 people, global leaders have expressed outrage, with Israel acknowledging a tragic error in its military operation.

Wong reiterated Australia’s stance against military operations in Rafah and called for a humanitarian ceasefire and release of all hostages held by Hamas. Comments have been sought from the Israeli embassy in Canberra.