Spanish premier discusses Palestine recognition decision with Lebanese counterpart

GENEVA

The Spanish prime minister said Thursday he discussed Madrid's move to recognize Palestine as a state with his Lebanese counterpart.

"I have just had a conversation with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, with whom I discussed the announcement regarding the recognition of the State of Palestine by Spain on May 28," Pedro Sanchez wrote on X. "We want this recognition to contribute to building a future of peace, stability and prosperity in all countries in the region.”

Sanchez said he reiterated Spain’s commitment to the security and stability of Lebanon and emphasized the work carried out by the UN Interim Force In Lebanon, or UNIFIL.

Spain, along with Norway and Ireland, announced Wednesday they would recognize Palestine as a state as of May 28.

The announcements came as Israel continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

Palestine is already recognized by eight European countries: Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Sweden and the Greek Cypriot administration.

More than 35,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, the vast majority being women and children, and nearly 80,000 others injured since October following an attack by Hamas.

Over seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of "genocide" at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.