Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that he will put forward a proposal to parliament to recognize the state of Palestine.

“I will propose granting Spain’s recognition to the Palestinian state,” Sanchez said on Saturday. “I do this out of moral conviction, for a just cause and because it is the only way that the two states, Israel and Palestine, can live together in peace.”

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Speaking at a rights conference in the city of Bilbao, Sanchez's remarks coincided with aid shipments being sent to Gaza in response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Strip, caused by the ongoing Israeli genocide and starvation policy via blockade and siege.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said on Saturday that the number of Palestinians killed by the Israeli occupation military since October 7 has risen to 30,960, over 72% of whom are children and women, and 72,524 injured.

The ministry added that many victims remain under the rubble as the IOF deliberately prevents ambulances and civil defense crews from reaching them. 

Sanchez is among the main Western leaders demanding an immediate comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the Israeli crimes in the Strip.

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He is also a relentless advocate for the international community and European Union to recognize the Palestinian state, but has declared last November that Spain is ready to unilaterally taking the decision, even if the EU doesn't.

In December, Sanchez notified US President Joe Biden of his readiness to follow a political solution that would bring a peaceful and secure "coexistence" between "Israel" and Palestine.

Last month, both France and the UK said they are open to recognizing the Palestinian state, with British Foreign Minister David Cameron conditioning it to a ceasefire in Gaza.

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