Spain formally recognize Palestinian state

On Tuesday, the Spanish government spokesman officially announced his country’s recognition of the State of Palestine.

The official announcement came during the Spanish government meeting on Tuesday morning.

Before the meeting, Spanish Minister Pedro Sanchez said in front of the Prime Minister’s Office in Madrid, in a televised speech: “This is a historic decision that has a single goal, which is to help the Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.”

He added that recognizing the State of Palestine is “a decision that we do not adopt against any party, especially Israel, which is a friendly people whom we respect and appreciate, and with whom we desire the best possible relationship.”

Sanchez called for a permanent ceasefire, an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of hostages held by Hamas since October 7.

He also revealed that his country would recognize a Palestinian state "that includes the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, unified under the administration of the Palestinian National Authority, with East Jerusalem as its capital."

He pointed out that Spain "will not recognize any changes to the Palestinian borders after 1967 unless all parties agree to this."

Ireland and Norway are also scheduled to announce their official recognition of the

Palestinian state later Tuesday.