MADRID – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez revealed on Tuesday that Spain recognized a Palestinian state that includes the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, unified under the Palestinian National Authority, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In his TV speech, Sánchez said Spain won’t accept any changes to Palestinian borders after 1967 unless everyone involved agrees to it.
Sánchez stated that acknowledging a Palestinian state is crucial for peace in the Middle East. After announcing this in parliament last week, he has been traveling across Europe and the Middle East to gain support for recognizing Palestine and achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. Today, Ireland and Norway are expected to officially recognize Palestine, a decision that Israel has criticized, saying it rewards Hamas during the Gaza conflict.
Three European countries think this decision will have a strong symbolic impact and could encourage other countries to do the same.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain will recognize Palestine as a state, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital, all under the Palestinian National Authority.
In a televised speech reported by Reuters, Sánchez said that Spain will only recognize changes to the Palestinian borders since 1967 if all parties involved agree to them.
Spain and Norway’s involvement in Israel-Palestinian peace efforts dates back to the historic 1991 Madrid peace conference, which led to the 1993 Oslo Accords, showcasing their longstanding commitment to the peace process.
Canada has decided to give temporary visas to 5,000 people from Gaza who have family in Canada. This is more than the 1,000 visas they offered in a similar program last December. The immigration ministry said many people are interested in these visas.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of this preparatory measure, stating, “While movement out of Gaza is not currently possible, the situation may change at any time. With this cap increase, we will be ready to help more people as the situation evolves.”
