AsarNews, Depok - Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, stated on Friday (24/11/2023), that Madrid is open to unilaterally recognizing the independent state of Palestine, even if it contradicts the opinions of most European Union countries.

"I think it is time for the international community, especially the European Union and its member states, to recognize the state of Palestine," said Sanchez at a press conference on the Egypt side of the Rafah border crossing.

He then mentioned that ideally, this recognition should happen simultaneously with at least some participating member states.

"But if not, of course, Spain will make its own decision," said the recently re-elected Spanish Prime Minister, who had previously vowed to recognize Palestine as a priority during his upcoming term.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo joined Sanchez on his visit to Israel, Palestine, and Egypt. Throughout the journey, the two leaders called for the protection of civilians in Gaza and urged Israel to respect international humanitarian law.

On Friday, after their press conference at the Rafah crossing, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen ordered the summoning of the Spanish and Belgian ambassadors in Tel Aviv to deliver a 'strong reprimand.'

"We condemn the false claims by the Spanish and Belgian Prime Ministers who express support for terrorism," he wrote on X social media, defending that Israel "acts in accordance with international law."

While the Belgian leader was more restrained in his language, Sanchez said Israel did not follow international law and accused it of 'indiscriminate killings' of 'thousands of children' in Gaza. Sanchez also strongly condemned the Hamas attack on October 7.

"Violence will only breed more violence. We must replace violence with hope and peace. This is what I conveyed to the President and Prime Minister of Israel," said Sanchez at the Rafah border crossing.

Regarding whether Belgium would recognize Palestine, De Croo said the first priority was to free hostages held by Hamas and help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. "Then, we must sit down together and discuss this issue," he said.

Currently, 10 out of 27 EU member states recognize the state of Palestine. In 2014, Sweden became the first country to do so while being an EU member state.

On Friday, the prime ministers of Belgium and Spain met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. He suggested that the international community needs to take control for lasting peace in Israel and Palestine.

"We need international recognition of the state of Palestine, and the UN needs to intervene. Moving in this direction will reflect the international community's seriousness about achieving peace in our region," he explained, outlining his idea for a demilitarized Palestine within the 1967 borders, potentially with the presence of international forces.