Recognizing Palestine state European geopolitical interest: Spanish PM

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
10 Apr 2024 14:07

Pedro Sanchez issues a warning, cautioning that war on Gaza risks "destabilizing the Middle East, and as a consequence, the entire world."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrives for an EU summit in Brussels, on Thursday, March 21, 2024. (AP)

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cautioned, on Wednesday, that "Israel's" "disproportionate" war on Gaza could lead to destabilization in the Middle East, with global ramifications leading to instability in the whole world.

Sanchez emphasized that Europe's geopolitical interests are served by acknowledging a Palestinian state, a move that has faced resistance from "Israel" and its main allies.

During a recent trip to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Sanchez broached the topic of statehood, suggesting that Spain might formally recognize Palestine as a nation by the conclusion of June.

"The international community cannot help the Palestinian state if it does not recognize its existence," Sanchez told lawmakers Wednesday.

Since the commencement of the Israeli aggression on Gaza over six months ago, the socialist leader has advocated for European acknowledgment of Palestine. In late March, Sanchez, along with counterparts from Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia, endorsed a joint declaration expressing their readiness to recognize Palestine as a potential step toward resolving the Palestinian struggle.

In further detail, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is scheduled to meet with leaders from Norway and Portugal, among others, in the following days to address the matter, as stated by Spanish government spokesperson Pilar Alegria on Tuesday. Sanchez has emerged as a prominent critic of "Israel" since the outset of its Gaza genocide, killing 33,360 and injuring 75,993.

Speaking on Wednesday, Sanchez criticized "Israel's absolutely disproportionate response," which he argued has violated decades of humanitarian law and poses a threat to stability not only in the Middle East but also globally.

During a Socialist Party conference in Galicia back in January, Sanchez expressed that the "indiscriminate bombing" and killing of thousands were "unacceptable" and detailed that Spain supports the demonstrations to "recognize the Palestinian state and stop the war in the Middle East.”

Sanchez has previously raised concerns about the footage depicting the increasing civilian death toll in Gaza, mainly among children, and stated, "I have serious doubts Israel is complying with international humanitarian law."

Sanchez expressed that Spain demands a ceasefire and wants humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, in addition to an international conference for peace.