Events
2024-05-28
Institutional Statement by the President of the Government on the Recognition of the State of Palestine
Institutional statement by the President of the Government announcing Spain’s decision to officially recognize the State of Palestine, reaffirming its commitment to international law, the two-State solution, and the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.
La Moncloa, Madrid
“Good morning,
Given the national and international significance of the decision we are taking today, I will address you successively in Spanish and in English.
Accordingly, I appear before you today to inform you that, at today’s meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Government of Spain will approve the official recognition of the State of Palestine.
Spain will thus join more than 140 countries around the world that already recognize Palestine as a State.
This is a historic decision with a single objective: to contribute to enabling Israelis and Palestinians to achieve peace.
The recognition of the State of Palestine is not only a matter of historical justice for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.
It is also an urgent necessity if we are to achieve peace together.
It is the only way to move forward toward the solution that everyone acknowledges as the only viable path to a peaceful future: the establishment of a Palestinian State living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.
The State of Palestine must, first and foremost, be viable, with the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and unified under the legitimate government of the Palestinian National Authority.
While it is not for our country, Spain, to define the borders of other States, our vision is fully aligned with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, as well as with the long-standing position of the European Union.
Therefore, we will not recognize any changes to the 1967 border lines unless they are agreed upon by the parties themselves.
It is also essential that Palestine be recognized for its rightful place within the international community.
The recognition of Palestine as a State is not a decision taken against anyone.
Nevertheless, I would like to stress that Spain will continue to support Palestine.
As I have said before, this recognition is not directed against anyone, and certainly not against Israel—a friendly people whom we respect and value, and with whom we seek to maintain the best possible relations.
Moreover, this decision reflects our firm rejection of Hamas, which opposes the two-State solution.
As you know, Spain condemned from the very first moment—and with the utmost force—the terrorist attacks of October 7.
That condemnation is a clear expression of our absolute commitment to the fight against terrorism.
I wish to inform you that, starting tomorrow, we will focus all our efforts on making the two-State solution a reality.
We will do so through three major priorities.
The first and most urgent priority remains putting an end to the unprecedented crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Once again, I call for a permanent ceasefire, for the entry of humanitarian aid, and for the immediate release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Second, we will support the Palestinian National Authority in the reform process launched by its new government.
The Palestinian Authority is our partner for peace and will require our full support.
Finally, as a third priority, we will continue to promote cooperation with our Arab partners, who are also working for peace and prosperity in the region.
We will continue to join efforts to convene an international peace conference that will finally bring about the two-State solution.
The decision Spain adopts today is grounded in respect for international law and in the defense of the rules-based international order—principles that always guide our actions, regardless of the context.
Whether in Gaza, Palestine, or Ukraine, Spain will always uphold the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
With the step we take today, we assume our responsibility in the pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for all peoples, in accordance with the mandate set out in the Preamble of the Spanish Constitution.
Above all, we act in accordance with what is expected of a great country like Spain.
Thank you.”
Accordingly, I appear before you today to inform you that, at today’s meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Government of Spain will approve the official recognition of the State of Palestine.
Spain will thus join more than 140 countries around the world that already recognize Palestine as a State.
This is a historic decision with a single objective: to contribute to enabling Israelis and Palestinians to achieve peace.
The recognition of the State of Palestine is not only a matter of historical justice for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.
It is also an urgent necessity if we are to achieve peace together.
It is the only way to move forward toward the solution that everyone acknowledges as the only viable path to a peaceful future: the establishment of a Palestinian State living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.
The State of Palestine must, first and foremost, be viable, with the West Bank and Gaza connected by a corridor, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and unified under the legitimate government of the Palestinian National Authority.
While it is not for our country, Spain, to define the borders of other States, our vision is fully aligned with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, as well as with the long-standing position of the European Union.
Therefore, we will not recognize any changes to the 1967 border lines unless they are agreed upon by the parties themselves.
It is also essential that Palestine be recognized for its rightful place within the international community.
The recognition of Palestine as a State is not a decision taken against anyone.
Nevertheless, I would like to stress that Spain will continue to support Palestine.
As I have said before, this recognition is not directed against anyone, and certainly not against Israel—a friendly people whom we respect and value, and with whom we seek to maintain the best possible relations.
Moreover, this decision reflects our firm rejection of Hamas, which opposes the two-State solution.
As you know, Spain condemned from the very first moment—and with the utmost force—the terrorist attacks of October 7.
That condemnation is a clear expression of our absolute commitment to the fight against terrorism.
I wish to inform you that, starting tomorrow, we will focus all our efforts on making the two-State solution a reality.
We will do so through three major priorities.
The first and most urgent priority remains putting an end to the unprecedented crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Once again, I call for a permanent ceasefire, for the entry of humanitarian aid, and for the immediate release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Second, we will support the Palestinian National Authority in the reform process launched by its new government.
The Palestinian Authority is our partner for peace and will require our full support.
Finally, as a third priority, we will continue to promote cooperation with our Arab partners, who are also working for peace and prosperity in the region.
We will continue to join efforts to convene an international peace conference that will finally bring about the two-State solution.
The decision Spain adopts today is grounded in respect for international law and in the defense of the rules-based international order—principles that always guide our actions, regardless of the context.
Whether in Gaza, Palestine, or Ukraine, Spain will always uphold the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
With the step we take today, we assume our responsibility in the pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for all peoples, in accordance with the mandate set out in the Preamble of the Spanish Constitution.
Above all, we act in accordance with what is expected of a great country like Spain.
Thank you.”
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