The Slovenian Parliament approved this Tuesday (4) the recognition of an independent Palestinian state by a majority vote. Slovenia has become the latest European Union country to recognize the State of Palestine, following in the footsteps of Spain, Ireland and Norway.
The move is part of a broader effort by countries to coordinate pressure on Israel to end the conflict in Gaza.
“Today’s recognition of Palestine as a sovereign and independent state sends hope to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza,” said Prime Minister Robert Golob on X.
The right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) of former prime minister Janez Jansa put forward a proposal for a consultative referendum on the recognition bid, which would have delayed the vote for at least a month.
The SDS, the largest opposition party, argued that it was not the right time to recognize an independent Palestinian state and that the move would only reward the actions of the Islamist group Hamas.
After the ruling coalition, which holds a majority in Slovenia's 90-member parliament, tried to find a way around the referendum requirement and proceed with the vote, the SDS withdrew its proposal, but resubmitted it hours later
The parliamentary committee on foreign affairs declared the referendum inappropriate and rejected it in an extraordinary session.
The decision to recognize the Palestinian state was approved with 52 votes, and no one objected after the opposition SDS party walked out of the session.
Of the 27 members of the European Union, Sweden, the Republic of Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria have already recognized a Palestinian state. Malta said this could happen soon.
Israel has been fighting Hamas, which rules Gaza, since the Oct. 7 attack in which some 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli data. Nearly 130 hostages are believed to remain captive in Gaza.
Health authorities in the region say more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war over the past seven months.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
