Pakistan has welcomed the decision of the Spanish government to recognise Palestine, declaring it as a success of Palestinian nation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said this development was welcoming particularly at the time when Gazans are struggling for their independence. He said it was a great achievement of Palestinians when a country like Spain has announced this recognition. He said that international community should play its role in stopping Israel from the massacre of Gazans and disgrace to humanity.
The international media reported the Spanish PM stating that Spain recognizes the Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, only acknowledging changes that have been agreed upon by both parties. He mentioned, “Although it’s not up to Spain to define the borders of other nations, our position is aligned with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and with the position traditionally held by the European Union.”
He explained that the Palestinian state should be viable, with the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor, and with East Jerusalem as its capital. Spain also recognizes a unified Palestinian state governed by the Palestinian Authority, which Mr. Sanchez called “our partner for peace.” This move is not against Israel, he said.
“Today’s decision is based on international law and respect for the rules-based order—principles that guide us no matter what the context,” said the premier. He expressed that to achieve a lasting two-state solution, the top priority is “putting an end to the crisis in Gaza,” which includes achieving a permanent cease-fire, unhindered access to humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of Israeli hostages. Spain will also focus on supporting the reforms of the Palestinian Authority. “It will need all our support., the PM was reported saying this.
He said Spain will continue to foster cooperation with partners committed to peace and prosperity in the region to convene an international peace conference that will “implement” the two-state solution. “With today’s decision, we assume our responsibility in the search for peace, security, and prosperity of all people,” he said.
Ireland and Norway also announced they would formally recognize a Palestinian state today – 28th May. This move triggered a response from Israel, which said it would recall its ambassadors from Dublin, Madrid, and Oslo and withhold funds from the Palestinian Authority. European nations made these announcements after the International Court of Justice issued a ruling against Israel to halt operations in Rafah. However, Israel ruled it out and continued bombings on civilians’ shelter camps. Israel brushed away the rulings of the ICJ and the resolution of the United Nations that demanded ceasefire in Gaza.
The Spanish prime minister earlier addressing his parliament in Madrid said, “We have to make sure that the two-state solution is respected and there must be mutual guarantees of security.” Ireland said Palestine had a legitimate right to statehood. “It is a statement of unequivocal support for a two-state solution, the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, for Palestine, and for their peoples.” Norway’s prime minister in Oslo, said there could not be peace in the Middle East without recognition, and that Norway would regard Palestine as an independent state “with all the rights and obligations that entails.” So far 140 nations of the world have recognized a Palestine state. The last recognition came from Mexico in 2023.
Importantly, The UK and Australia have indicated they could follow suit, Germany said it requires further dialogue, and France ruled out a similar move for the time being. The US president, Joe Biden, believed a Palestinian state should be achieved through negotiations rather than by unilateral recognition, a White House spokesperson was reported saying this by Reuters on Wednesday. Tough at the diplomatic fronts Israel has lost, but who would control it from Gazan’s massacre is a question, yet unaddressed. So far, more than 36000 innocent people have been killed in Israel’s attacks, while more than eight hundred thousand are injured. More than a million population is facing acute hunger and 1.1 million are dislocated.” (By Rana Kashif)
