Spain's Decision to Recognize 'Palestine': Reasons and Consequences in Europe

Amid global efforts to find a sustainable solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict, Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, has stated that Madrid will diplomatically recognize 'an independent Palestine' by July. Analysts say this decision, announced on Tuesday, could indicate a significant shift in Spain's foreign policy approach and may encourage other European countries to follow Madrid's new stance. Ignacio Molina, an international relations expert in Spain, told Voice of America that both domestic and foreign policy issues have led the Spanish Prime Minister to announce the imminent recognition of an independent Palestinian state. Molina explained that from a foreign policy perspective, Spain aims to demonstrate its leadership on the international stage by encouraging other EU countries to officially recognize an independent Palestine. According to Molina, the internal political factors influencing this decision include the current coalition government in Spain, led by Pedro Sanchez, which consists of leftist parties that largely sympathize with the 'Palestinian cause.' However, a factor that accelerated this decision was the Israeli forces' attack on Tuesday on a humanitarian convoy from the 'World Central Kitchen' charity, which resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers; an attack that sparked outrage in Spain and many other countries. The Spanish Prime Minister deemed the reaction of his Israeli counterpart, who described the attack as 'unintentional,' as 'unacceptable.' Pedro Sanchez is also among the European figures who have visited a UN agency school for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, in Jordan. The Palestinian issue and support for the establishment of an independent state named Palestine could give Madrid a leadership role in the European Union. Spain has a unique international position due to its connections between Arab countries and Latin America, which grants it particular authority on this matter. On March 23, Spain announced that it would take initial steps to recognize a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza in collaboration with Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia. This move was described by Israel as 'rewarding terrorism' and said it would reduce the likelihood of reaching a negotiated solution. The government of Joe Biden, the President of the United States, has emphasized Washington's support for an independent Palestinian state by establishing a 'reformed self-governing authority' in the West Bank and Gaza, stating that this must occur through direct negotiations between the parties. The U.S. has reiterated that the establishment of a Palestinian state should result from direct negotiations, not through the United Nations. Blinken, in an interview with a French network, stated that the goal of the United States is to create a Palestinian state. The French peace initiative to end the Gaza war includes a 'permanent' ceasefire, the release of hostages, and recognition of a two-state solution. The new Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority introduced his government members. Israel has labeled the initiative by four European countries to recognize a Palestinian state as 'a reward for terrorism.' The Israeli Defense Minister stated that governance of Gaza by groups affiliated with the Palestinian Authority is the least desirable option.