Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez: Recognizing the Palestinian state is in Europe's interest

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, said that to end the Israel-Palestine conflict and "stabilize" the region, the Palestinian state recognizing the European Union's (EU) would be in its interest.

EMPHASIS ON 'PALESTINIAN STATE'

In an interview with the state broadcaster RTVE, Sanchez said, "It is clear that we must find a political solution to end this crisis, and I believe that this solution will include the recognition of the Palestinian state."

Emphasizing that what is happening in Gaza is "unacceptable," the Spanish Prime Minister stated that recognition would stabilize the region, which is "geopolitically" in "Europe's interest."

PARLIAMENTARY VOTE

Promising to "work to recognize the Palestinian state in Europe and Spain," Sanchez did not rule out the possibility of Madrid acting unilaterally if an agreement cannot be reached within the European Union (EU). In 2014, the Spanish parliament adopted a resolution calling for this recognition with the support of all political groups. However, this non-binding vote was not followed up.

The statements by Sanchez, one of the most critical voices within the EU toward the Jewish state, had caused tensions in relations with Israel.

Criticisms from Spain also led to a strain in relations with Israel. On November 30, Israel decided to recall its Ambassador to Spain "for consultations."