The Slovenian government approved a decision on Thursday to recognize an independent Palestinian state, announced Prime Minister Robert Golob. This move aligns Slovenia with countries such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway, which have recently made similar recognitions.
“Today the government has decided to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state,” Golob declared at a news conference in Ljubljana. However, the decision still requires approval from Slovenia’s parliament in the coming days.
This recognition is part of a broader international effort to exert pressure on Israel to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Golob also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the release of all hostages. “This is the message of peace,” he emphasized.
To mark this significant step, the Slovenian government raised the Palestinian flag alongside the national flags of Slovenia and the European Union in front of its building in downtown Ljubljana.
On May 28, Spain, Ireland, and Norway officially recognized a Palestinian state, eliciting a strong reaction from Israel. Out of the 27 European Union member states, countries like Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria have already acknowledged Palestinian statehood. Malta has indicated it might follow suit soon.
Both Britain and Australia are considering recognition, while France maintains that the current timing is not appropriate for such a move. Germany, aligning with Israel’s key ally, the United States, opposes a unilateral approach, advocating instead for a two-state solution achievable only through dialogue.
Denmark’s parliament recently voted down a bill to recognize a Palestinian state. Norway, previously adhering to the U.S. stance, has shifted its position, losing confidence in the effectiveness of that strategy.
The backdrop of these recognitions is the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Currently, around 130 hostages remain captive in Gaza. According to Gaza health authorities, more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict over the past seven months.
