Egypt Daily News – Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Norway issued a joint statement calling for the acceptance of the State of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations, considering this recognition a crucial step toward achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
The statement clarified that recognizing Palestine is not merely a political stance but a commitment to upholding international law and relevant UN resolutions. It also emphasized that the initiative aims to support the two-state solution, which ensures peaceful and secure coexistence between Israel and Palestine—an internationally backed resolution.
The call came amid rising tensions in the region, particularly following the recent escalation in Gaza, which resulted in civilian casualties. The four countries expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation and called for an end to the violence and a resumption of negotiations.
Spain, Ireland, and Norway have already officially recognized Palestine, while Israel has opposed these steps, viewing them as obstacles to peace. Although more than 140 countries have recognized Palestine, full UN membership requires Security Council approval, where the veto power may be used.
The statement concluded by asserting that recognizing Palestine and granting it full membership is a vital step toward regional stability and urged the international community to support this path to ensure a peaceful future for all peoples in the region.
Earlier, on Monday, the World Health Organization allowed the Palestinian delegation to raise its flag at the organization’s headquarters, following a symbolic victory in a vote held that day. Western media reported that Ibrahim Khraisha, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN in Geneva, expressed hope that the vote would lead to broader recognition within and beyond the international organization.
The WHO’s annual meeting in Geneva approved the proposal—submitted by Saudi Arabia, China, Pakistan, and other countries—with a majority of 95 votes. Four countries opposed it: Israel, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Germany, while 27 countries abstained.
This vote followed a successful Palestinian bid for membership in the UN General Assembly last year and comes amid signs that France may also recognize the State of Palestine.
