Spain brings up the Israel-Palestine conflict in the Congress of Deputies, in Madrid on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez making a speech in parliament.(Pics/PTI)
Updated On: 2024-05-22 03:56 PM IST
Compiled by : Tanishka Desai
People applaud as the PM says "Next Tuesday, May 28, Spain's cabinet will approve the recognition of the Palestinian state,", adding that his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu was putting the two-state solution in "danger" with his policy of "pain and destruction" in the Gaza Strip.
Spain, Ireland and Norway said on Wednesday that they would recognise a Palestinian state on May 28, a step toward a long-held Palestinian aspiration that came amid international outrage over the civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip following Israel's offensive.
The triple and almost simultaneous decisions may generate momentum for the recognition of a Palestinian state by other EU countries and could spur further steps at the United Nations, deepening Israel's isolation.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, destroying infrastructure and modes of earning. Palestinians stand around a charred boat in this airstrike.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented, multifaceted, and prolonged attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, sparking the start of the Israel–Hamas conflict. Just like these fishermen, despite continued airstrikes since then, people go out to earn whatever they can in these dire times.
This moment stands important as the symbolism helps enhance the Palestinians' international standing and heaps more pressure on Israel to open negotiations on ending the war.
The Prime Minister smiles victoriously as he makes the announcement. Now, some 140 of 190 represented in the UN countries have recognised a Palestinian state.