Spain officially recognises Palestine as "independent state"

Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Tuesday announced that his government will approve the official recognition of Palestine as a state today (May 28).

"Good morning, I would like to inform you that at the meeting of the council of ministers that will be held today, [the] government of Spain will approve the official recognition of Palestine as state," Sánchez said while addressing his nation on a state TV.

Following the decision, Spain joined the more than 140 countries that already recognised Palestine. 

"This is [a] histotic decision that has a single goal to contribute in achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The recognition of the state of Palestine is not only a matter of historical justice with legitimate aspirations of the Palestine people, but it's an also imperative need to achieve peace," Spain PM said.

"It's the only way to realise the solution that we all as the only possible way to achieve the future of peace that of a Palestine state that coexists alongside the state of Israel in peace and security," he added.

Earlier on May 22, the three European countries, Spain, Ireland, and Norway, announced that they would recognise the state of Palestine.

In response, Israel recalled its ambassadors from Ireland and Norway immediately and threatened to do the same for Spain.

Ireland and Norway are due to formally recognise a Palestinian state today.