In her first major statement on the Middle East since taking office, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of recognizing both Palestine and Israel as sovereign states to bring about lasting peace in the region.
During a press conference on Friday, Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico’s long-standing position, stating, "Palestine should be recognized just like Israel.
This has been Mexico's position for many years." Her remarks come at a critical time as global attention remains focused on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, which has intensified with the recent escalation in Gaza.
Sheinbaum, who took office on October 1, also condemned the violence in the Middle East, emphasizing that "war will never lead to a good outcome."
The left-leaning president, who has European Jewish ancestry but has publicly identified as an atheist, has been outspoken on issues related to Israel’s military actions.
In 2009, she criticized Israel's military operations in Gaza, signaling her consistent stance on advocating for peace and diplomacy.
In her comments, Sheinbaum referenced the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched attacks against Israel, which were followed by Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.
This conflict has deepened the humanitarian crisis in the region, with global calls for an end to the hostilities and a push for renewed peace talks.