Spain will recognize an independent Palestinian state by July, PM tells press

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez tells journalists that he will recognize a Palestinian state by July, Spanish media reports.

Speaking to members of the press accompanying him on his trip to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Sánchez says the recognition will come before the summer. He also says he will try to convince Arab countries that haven’t recognized Israel to do so, according to El Pais.

Spain is trying to get other EU countries on board, including Slovenia and Ireland. The three nations plus Malta issued a joint declaration two weeks ago on their readiness to recognize a Palestinian state when “the circumstances are appropriate.”

Spain believes that other European countries will follow suit, reports El Pais, and that there will be a window for recognition between the end of fighting in Gaza and US elections in November, when Donald Trump could return to office.