Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has unequivocally asserted to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel’s pursuit of peace necessitates the establishment of a viable Palestinian state. This statement, made during Sánchez’s current visit to the Middle East alongside Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, highlights a firm stance against the indiscriminate killing of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.Spanish Prime Minister’s Stance on Palestinian Statehood
Sánchez and Netanyahu’s meeting is part of a broader diplomatic effort to address the escalating situation in Gaza, which has endured Israeli aggression for 48 days, resulting in approximately 15,000 Palestinian casualties. The Spanish leader also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and plans to visit Egypt with De Croo.
Last week, Sánchez pledged that his new government would work within Europe, particularly in Spain, to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, aligning with Spanish efforts to influence European positions in favor of Palestinian aspirations.
Impact on Europe’s Stance
Isaias Barrenada, a professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, believes Sánchez’s stance could significantly influence other European nations, which face criticism from Arab countries for their unconditional support of Israel. Amid internal disagreements within the European Union regarding Israel, Spain’s ability to shift the collective European position may be challenging. However, it can contribute by highlighting the diverse sensitivities within the Union on this matter.
A minor diplomatic crisis recently erupted between Madrid and the Israeli embassy following statements by a Spanish minister about a planned genocide in Gaza.
It’s noteworthy that in 2014, the Spanish parliament nearly unanimously adopted a non-binding resolution advocating for the recognition of the Palestinian state. Additionally, European nations like Sweden, Malta, Romania, and Hungary have acknowledged Palestinian statehood, a step yet to be taken by major EU countries.
Website: dzwatch.net , Spanish Prime Minister’s Stance on Palestinian Statehood.
