The Slovenian government has decided to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state. Prime Minister Robert Golob announced the decision at a news conference in Ljubljana on May 30, marking a major diplomatic step in the country's foreign policy. Slovenia follows the precedent set by Spain, Ireland, and Norway, who officially recognized Palestine earlier this month, Reuters informed.
"Today the government has decided to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state," Golob stated, emphasizing Slovenia's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He also called for the immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and urged for the release of all hostages, labeling the decision as "the message of peace."
The government's decision is pending approval by the Slovenian parliament, which is expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming days. The move is part of a broader effort by several countries to apply coordinated pressure on Israel to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the Slovenian government raised the Palestinian flag alongside the flags of Slovenia and the European Union outside its building in downtown Ljubljana.
On May 28, Spain, Ireland, and Norway officially recognized the Palestinian state, a move that sparked an angry response from Israel. These countries join other EU member states, including Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria, which have previously recognized Palestine. Malta has indicated it might soon follow suit.
Outside the EU, Britain and Australia are also considering recognition of Palestine, although France has expressed that the current timing is not appropriate for such a move. Germany has aligned with Israel's closest ally, the United States, in rejecting unilateral recognition of Palestine, maintaining that a two-state solution can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiation.
Denmark's parliament recently voted down a proposal to recognize Palestine. Conversely, Norway, which chairs the international donor group to the Palestinians, has shifted away from the U.S. position, expressing doubt about the efficacy of the existing strategy.
The conflict escalated dramatically following a cross-border attack by Hamas militants on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 individuals, according to Israeli sources. Currently, about 130 hostages are believed to remain captive in Gaza.
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