Official statement from Spain, which has formally recognized the State of Palestine

Following Spain's formal recognition of the State of Palestine, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares made a statement.

Albares said, "We have recognized the State of Palestine as a full nation, with all the rights of being a state within the framework of international law."

Stating that this is the first step, Albares explained that future steps include the unification of Gaza and the West Bank under a single Palestinian authority, the connection of Gaza and the West Bank via a corridor, and the establishment of a real and viable Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem.

Albares said, "Today's recognition is justice for the Palestinian people. They cannot be condemned to be refugees forever."

"THIS ALONE WILL NOT BRING PEACE"

Responding to a question about whether the recognition of Palestine would be seen as largely symbolic since it would not change the reality on the ground, Albares said, "Sitting at the table as a sovereign state to negotiate with another sovereign state is not the same thing. 

That is why the recognition of the State of Palestine is important. Our Palestinian friends told us that this is important. This alone will not bring peace. This is the beginning of a process," he said.

Albares stated, "Yesterday, at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council, we decided by consensus to invite our Israeli colleague, using the EU-Israel Association Council, to explain to us what is happening in Gaza and why they are not complying with the International Court of Justice ruling that calls for an immediate halt to the offensive on Rafah."