In a significant move towards supporting Palestinian independence, four European countries—Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia—have agreed to recognize Palestine as an independent state. This landmark decision marks a crucial step forward in the decades-long struggle for Palestinian sovereignty.

The announcement came following a meeting of the European Council in Brussels, where Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the collective decision. Prime Minister Sanchez expressed optimism that this recognition would be formalized during the tenure of his government, which assumed power last year. The agreement was reached through discussions with the Prime Ministers of Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia.

Following the meeting, Ireland issued a joint statement emphasizing the necessity of a two-state solution for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. The statement underscored the importance of enabling both Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully and securely.

The Palestinian quest for statehood, with East Jerusalem as its capital, has long been a focal point of international discourse. Recent escalations, notably the Israeli military operation in Gaza, have intensified global attention on the Palestinian cause.

In November of the previous year, Arab states convened with the European Union in Spain, reaffirming their commitment to a two-state solution as the most viable path towards resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Since 1988, a majority of member states within the United Nations—139 out of 193—have formally recognized Palestine as an independent state. The collective action taken by Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia adds momentum to the global movement supporting Palestinian self-determination and underscores the growing international consensus on the need for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.