ALBAWABA- In a historic move, Slovenia's government endorsed a motion to recognize a Palestinian state on Thursday, urging its parliament to follow suit. Prime Minister Robert Golob announced the decision, emphasizing that the proposal had been sent to parliament, which could convene as early as next week to discuss the matter.
"All the world should act in the direction of peace," Golob stated following the government session. "The way to achieve peace is a two-state solution." He stressed that the decision was not meant to oppose Israel but to serve as a message of peace.
The Palestinian flag was prominently displayed at the government headquarters in Ljubljana, signaling the country’s support.
Parliamentary approval is required for the recognition to take effect, but with Golob’s ruling liberal coalition holding a comfortable majority in the 90-member assembly, the vote is expected to pass smoothly.
This decision aligns Slovenia with recent actions taken by Spain, Norway, and Ireland, all of which recognized Palestinian statehood earlier this week, a move condemned by Israel.
Slovenia is poised to become the 10th member of the 27-nation European Union to recognize Palestine officially. Although Norway is not an EU member, its foreign policy often aligns with the bloc’s stance.
Slovenia initiated the recognition process in early May, but paused in hopes that the situation in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict in Gaza would improve. However, Golob expedited the process following recent Israeli attacks on Rafah, which have displaced over a million Palestinians.
More than 140 countries worldwide, representing over two-thirds of United Nations members, currently recognize a Palestinian state. Slovenia’s decision adds to the growing list of nations pushing for Palestinian statehood, further straining relations between the EU and Israel.
Spain and Ireland are advocating for EU measures against Israel due to its continued attacks on Rafah in southern Gaza.
In his first response to Slovenia's government, the Israeli Foreign Minister condemned the move, arguing that it rewards Hamas. He called on the Slovenian parliament to halt the recognition process, with a vote scheduled for next Wednesday.
This development marks Slovenia as the fourth country to recognize Palestinian statehood following Spain, Ireland, and Norway, with more European nations potentially following suit in the coming days and weeks.
