Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob announced on Thursday that his government has approved a decision to recognize an independent Palestinian state, following similar actions by Spain, Ireland, and Norway.
The Slovenian decision was met with immediate condemnation from Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz criticized the move, claiming it rewards Hamas for their violent actions, referring to the group's October 7th attack on Israel that ignited the ongoing war in Gaza.
At a press conference in Ljubljana, Golob stated, "Today, the government decided to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state."
The decision now awaits approval from the Slovenian parliament, an EU member state, which is expected in the coming days.
This move is part of a broader coordinated effort by several countries to pressure Israel to end the conflict in Gaza.
Golob also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and for the release of all hostages, framing it as a "message of peace."
In a symbolic gesture, the Slovenian government raised the Palestinian flag alongside the Slovenian and EU flags in front of its headquarters in central Ljubljana.
Earlier this week, Spain, Ireland, and Norway officially recognized the Palestinian state, provoking a strong reaction from Israel.
Among the 27 EU member states, Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria already recognize Palestine. Malta has indicated it may follow suit soon.
The UK and Australia are considering recognition, while France has stated that now is not the right time.
Germany, aligning with the United States, insists that a two-state solution can only be achieved through dialogue, rejecting unilateral actions.
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