Spain formally recognizes Palestine
Israel has blasted the move, which Madrid first announced last week
The Spanish government officially recognized Palestinian statehood during a meeting on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has announced.
The diplomatic move comes at a time of intense fighting in Gaza, as Israel continues its ground operation in the border city of Rafah.
Madrid revealed its intention to recognize Palestine last week in a coordinated move with the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland. Israel has accused the three EU nations of encouraging terrorism.
Earlier on Tuesday, speaking ahead of the formal recognition move, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stressed that the decision was not an attack on Israel, but a matter of historic justice, the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and a precondition for peace in the Middle East.
DETAILS TO FOLLOW
Keywords
Newer articles
<p>Company says in court filing Musk is entitled to vast payout because shareholders voted in his favor earlier this month</p>
‘You’re the sucker, you’re the loser’
Man killed by lightning in New Jersey while warning others of dangerous weather
Kim Kardashian compared to Marilyn Monroe in animal-print bikini
How the world reacted to Biden's presidential debate performance
US Congress faces growing calls to withdraw Netanyahu invitation: ‘a terrible mistake’
ODDS ON: Hot favourite to replace Biden after rambling debate
Democrats Discuss Replacing Biden on Presidential Ticket
Big stakes and high tension as Biden-Trump debate looms
What the Mood Is Like in France After the Far Right Won Big