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Spain Wins Record 4th EURO Title, Defeats England 2-1 in Final

In the first 15 minutes of the match, both teams played a tactical game. However, Spain kept more possession and tried to create two big chances. Meanwhile, England just came close once to scoring the opening goal…reports Asian Lite News

Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal helped Spain win the EURO 2024 after beating England 2-1 in the final match of the tournament at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Oyarzabal’s late goal gave La Roja a 2-1 win over England as they crowned the European Champions for a record-breaking fourth time. Spain stayed unbeaten in the 2024 edition of the tournament and got hold of the prestigious trophy. Meanwhile, for the Three Lions, it was a similar feeling after losing two EURO finals and their wait to end their trophy drought goes on.


In the first 15 minutes of the match, both teams played a tactical game. However, Spain kept more possession and tried to create two big chances. Meanwhile, England just came close once to scoring the opening goal. The Three Lions struggled in the opening minutes of the match; they failed to get out of their own half as the Spaniards took full control of the midfield, giving no chance to the England attacker to trouble the Spanish goalkeeper, Unai Simon. Minutes before the first half whistle, Spain skipper Alvaro Morata found space inside England’s box but before making a shot towards the goal, English defender Laporte came to block the Spaniard.

Jude Bellingham flicked his Real Madrid teammate Dani Carvajal and passed the ball to England skipper Harry Kane, who tried to place a fiery short from outside the box but Rodri made a vital block.In the added minutes of the first half, England had a freekick on the right. Declan Rice whipped it into the middle of the box but Spanish defender Robin Le Normand cleared it. However, unmarked Phil Foden received the ball and placed it on the far side of the box, but Unai Simon made no mistake to grab it and keep the scoreline equal.

The first half ended with 0-0 scoreline, but Spain dominated over the Three Lions, keeping 69 percent ball possession. Meanwhile, Harry Kane’s side only had 31 percent of ball possession, keeping just three shots on the goal. The second half will be crucial for both teams, as no one wants to take the match into the penalty shootout. The second half started with Spain making one change, Luis de la Fuente subbed off Rodri after he picked up an injury, and Martin Zubimendi replaced him.
Nico Williams broke Spain’s deadlock in the 47th minute after he made the first breakthrough of the EURO 2024 final. Lamine Yamal made an excellent run on the right, then cut it inside the box. The youngster curled the ball and passed it to unmarked Williams, who placed the ball on the far corner, giving England goalkeeper Pickford no chance to save it.

Yamal had his fourth assist at the tournament, more than any Spanish player has ever managed in a single edition of the EUROs. After scoring the opening goal of the final match, the Spaniards started to play more attackingly. In the 55th minute, England defender John Stones made a goalline save after Morata placed a shot towards the goal from the right side. England head coach Gareth Southgate made a shocking change after skipper Harry Kane was subbed off and Ollie Watkins replaced him.

Jude Bellingham came close to scoring the equaliser in the 63rd minute but his powerful shot outside the box went wide of the far post. Spain’s fast and direct started to pay off as they found more space in England’s box. Yamal caught Luke Shaw out of his position and the Spaniard made a run on the right side and kept a curling low shot on goal, Pickford got down quickly to punch it away from the box.

Spanish skipper Alvaro Morata was also subbed off and Mikel Oyarzabal replaced him on the field. Meanwhile, England’s Cole Palmer replaced Kobbie Mainoo. Super sub Cole Palmer kept England’s dream of bringing it back home on after he scored the equaliser in the 73rd minute of the match from a long-range shot outside the box. Saka made a stunning run down the left after seeing space in Spain’s defence. Saka passed the ball to Jude Bellingham, who was marked by the Spanish defender. The 21-year-old Real Madrid player made no mistake to pass it backwards to Palmer, from where the super sub scored the equaliser.

As England started to attack after scoring the equaliser, Spain strengthened their defence by replacing Le Normand with Nacho Fernandez. Mikel Oyarzabal scored in the 86th minute, giving Spain a 2-1 lead in match. The Spanish striker pushed the ball past Pickford from close range to give La Roja the lead in the dying minutes. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) checked the goal for offside; Oyarzabal was onside. Mikel Merino came in place of Spain’s Lamine Yamal. Meanwhile, England placed an extra striker on the box and brought Ivan Toney on the field in place of Phil Foden.
As French referee Francois Letexier blew the final whistle, Spain created history by winning the Euro Cup four times. The Spaniards dominated the match from the very first minute. Fuente’s men kept 65 percent ball possession. Spain created five big chances. Meanwhile, England made two big chances. (ANI)

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Spain pledges €1bn in military aid to Kyiv

Sanchez said the security agreement would cover a range of a different issues…reports Asian Lite News

Spain on Monday pledged one billion euros in military aid to Ukraine as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a security deal in Madrid.

The deal “includes a commitment for one billion euros in military aid for 2024,” Sanchez told a joint news conference

“It will allow Ukraine to boost its capabilities including its essential air defense systems to protect its civilians, cities and infrastructure which are still suffering indiscriminate attacks as seen this weekend in Kharkiv,” he said, referring to a Russian strike on the northeastern city that killed at least 16 people.

Zelensky’s visit comes as Ukraine has been battling a Russian ground offensive in the Kharkiv region which began on May 10 in Moscow’s biggest territorial advance in 18 months.

With the Russian assault now in its third year, Ukraine has been pleading for more weapons for its outgunned and outnumbered troops, notably seeking help to address its lack of air defense systems.

According to El Pais newspaper, the deal would include new Patriot missiles and Leopard tanks. Zelensky has already signed bilateral security agreements with several countries including France, Germany and the UK.

Sanchez said the security agreement would cover a range of a different issues.

“The agreement is based on a comprehensive overview of security and covers various areas such as military, humanitarian and financial support, as well as collaboration between Spanish and Ukrainian defense industries, as well as help with reconstruction and de-mining among other things,” he said.

Zelensky appeals to Biden and Xi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to his US counterpart Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping to participate in a planned peace summit in Switzerland in June.

“We do not want the UN Charter to be burnt down just like these books, and I hope you don’t want to either,” said Zelensky against the backdrop of a printing plant destroyed by a Russian missile attack in the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

“The efforts of the global majority are the best guarantee that all commitments will be fulfilled. Please, support the peace summit with your personal leadership and participation,” Zelensky added, addressing Biden and Xi directly in English in a video posted on the social media platform Telegram.

Switzerland has invited around 160 countries to a peace summit on June 15-16 to discuss possible ways to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. Russia, which invaded Ukraine more than two years ago, has not received an invitation.

According to Zelensky, Moscow is currently preparing another attack in northern Ukraine after a recent offensive near the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

Military experts say another Russian offensive in the northern Sumy region is possible. Russia’s aim could be to exploit its manpower and material superiority, overstretch the Ukrainian defence lines and thus achieve the collapse of the Ukrainian front line.

Kharkiv, which lies only 30 kilometres from the Russian border, has been one of the worst-hit cities in Moscow’s bombing campaign since its invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022.

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Gaza war is ‘real genocide,’ Spanish defence minister says

Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles also said Madrid’s recognition of Palestine was not a move against Israel, adding that it was designed to help “end violence in Gaza.”

The Spanish defence minister said on Saturday that the conflict in Gaza is a “real genocide” as relations between Israel and Spain worsen following Madrid’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state.

Israel has strongly rejected accusations made against it by South Africa at the International Court of Justice that it is committing genocide against Palestinians, saying it is waging war on Hamas.

The remark by Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles in an interview with TVE state television echoed a comment by Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz, who earlier this week also described the Gaza conflict as a genocide.

“We cannot ignore what is happening in Gaza, which is a real genocide,” Robles said in the interview, during which she also discussed the Russian invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in Africa.

She also said Madrid’s recognition of Palestine was not a move against Israel, adding that it was designed to help “end violence in Gaza.”

“This is not against anyone, this is not against the Israeli state, this is not against the Israelis, who are people we respect,” she said.

Israel’s campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, and destroyed much of the enclave. Israel launched the operation to try to eliminate Hamas after the Palestinian group attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7.

Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, declared this week it would recognize a Palestinian state on May 28, prompting an angry response from Israel, which said it amounted to a “reward for terrorism” and recalled its ambassadors from the three capitals.

Judges at the ICJ, the top UN court, on Friday, ordered Israel to immediately halt its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, in a landmark emergency ruling in the case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide.

On Saturday, Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said that Israel must obey the court’s ruling.

In a post on the social media site X, he said, “The International Court of Justice’s precautionary measures, including the cessation of Israel’s offensive in Rafah, are mandatory. We demand their application.”

South Africa has accused Israel of failing to uphold its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

Israel rejects the accusation, arguing it is acting to defend itself and fighting Hamas after the Oct. 7 attack.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday that if more nations recognized the Palestinian state, it would add to international pressure for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

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Ireland, Norway and Spain recognise Palestinian state

The move has triggered an immediate response from Israel, which recalled its ambassadors from Dublin and Oslo…reports Asian Lite News

Spain, Norway and Ireland have announced that they would recognise an independent Palestinian state, a rebuke to Israel over its war in Gaza and its decades of occupation of Palestinian territories.

On Wednesday morning, the governments of Ireland, Spain, and Norway made coordinated announcements recognising Palestine, aiming to support a two-state solution and promote peace in the Middle East.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the parliament in Madrid, emphasising the principles of peace, justice, and consistency as the driving forces behind Spain’s decision.

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez
Jonas Gahr Støre
Simon_Harris

“We must ensure the two-state solution is respected, with mutual guarantees of security,” Sánchez stated, receiving applause from the assembly.

Ireland’s Taoiseach, Simon Harris, echoed this sentiment, asserting Palestine’s legitimate right to statehood.

At a press conference in Dublin, Harris declared, “This is a statement of unequivocal support for a two-state solution, the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, Palestine, and their peoples.”

He expressed confidence that other countries would follow suit in the coming weeks.

In Oslo, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reinforced the necessity of recognition for peace in the region, declaring Norway’s acknowledgment of Palestine as an independent state “with all the rights and obligations that entails.”

Israel recalls envoys

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday ordered the “immediate return” of Israeli ambassadors to Ireland and Norway following the decision announced by the two countries to recognise a Palestinian state.  

“I am sending a clear message today – Israel will not be complacent against those who undermine its sovereignty and endanger its security,” said Katz.

“Ireland and Norway intend to send a message to the Palestinians and the whole world today: Terrorism pays. After the terrorist organisation Hamas carried out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, after it committed the most horrific sex crimes the world has seen, these countries chose to give a reward to Hamas and Iran by recognising a Palestinian state,” he added.

He stated that the “distorted step” taken by both countries is an “injustice” to the memory of the October 7 victims and a “blow” to efforts being made to ensure a safe return of the 128 hostages.

“Israel will not remain silent – there will be further severe consequences. If Spain follows through on its intention to recognise a Palestinian state, a similar step will be taken against it,” Kantz warned.

“The Irish-Norwegian folly does not deter us; we are determined to achieve our goals: restoring security to our citizens, dismantling Hamas, and bringing the hostages home. There are no more just causes than these,” he said.

Over 140 countries and the Holy See have recognised a Palestinian state, but most Western European countries and the US have not, reported The New York Times.

According to them, the recognition should be achieved through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians and while they support a two-state solution, unilateral measures by third parties will not advance that goal.

Meanwhile, Israel has strongly condemned international attempts to recognise a Palestinian state and emphasised that Israel needs to negotiate directly with Palestinian leaders on a permanent solution.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said that establishing a Palestinian state would be an “existential danger” to Israel, The New York Times reported.

Palestine welcomes decision

Palestinian foreign ministry said it “welcomes the decisions taken by the Spain, Norway and Ireland to recognise the State of Palestine.”

“With this significant step, Spain, Norway and Ireland have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the two-state solution and to delivering the long overdue justice to the Palestinian people.

“Further, the recognitions of Spain, Norway and Ireland, are in line with international law and all United Nations relevant resolutions, which will in turn contribute positively to all international efforts towards ending the Israeli Illegal occupation and achieving peace and stability in the region.”

The statement goes on to call for other states to “take this principled decision as soon as possible”.

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Spain recalls envoy to Argentina over ‘insult’

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares emphasised the expectation for an apology from Milei…reports Asian Lite News

Spain took a significant diplomatic step on Sunday by recalling its ambassador to Buenos Aires for consultations following derogatory comments made by Argentina’s President Javier Milei about Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s wife during a far-right rally in Madrid, media reported.

Milei’s remarks, branding Sanchez’s wife, Begona Gomez, as “corrupt” during a rally organised by the far-right Vox party, drew strong condemnation from Spanish officials, Reuters reported.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares emphasised the expectation for an apology from Milei, deeming his behaviour as severely damaging to the relationship between Spain and Argentina.

“It is unacceptable that a sitting president visiting Spain should insult Spain and the Spanish prime minister, a fact that breaks with all diplomatic customs and the most elementary rules of coexistence between countries,” Jose Manuel Albares said.

Despite calls for reconciliation, Milei’s spokesperson stated that he would not apologize. Instead, Milei urged Spanish officials to retract insults directed at him.

His visit to Spain, which included skipping meetings with Spain’s King Felipe and Prime Minister Sanchez, violated diplomatic protocol, as he prioritized promoting his book alongside Vox leader Santiago Abascal at the party rally.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, denounced attacks on family members of political leaders, stating they have no place in our culture.

In Spain, the conservative People’s Party (PP) refrained from supporting Madrid’s stance, criticizing Sanchez’s silence on alleged corruption surrounding his wife. A city court had been examining accusations against Begona Gomez for influence peddling and business corruption, though Madrid’s prosecuting authority sought to dismiss the case due to insufficient evidence.

Sanchez’s decision to remain in office following the probe against his wife further fueled political tensions. The PP expressed internal doubts and international distrust, focusing on opposing the Spanish government rather than aligning with Milei’s remarks.

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Spain Blocks Indian Arms To Israel

The Denmark-flagged cargo ship Marianne Danica sailed from Chennai on April 8 and was headed to the port of Haifa in Israel, according to maritime tracking portals and Spanish media…reports Asian Lite News

Spain has refused entry to a ship carrying arms from Chennai to Israel to dock at one of its ports, its Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has said.

The Denmark-flagged cargo ship Marianne Danica sailed from Chennai on April 8 and was headed to the port of Haifa in Israel, according to maritime tracking portals and Spanish media.

Spain has been extremely critical of the rising civilian casualties due to the Israeli offensive in Gaza and, along with Belgium, has suspended arms exports licenses to Tel Aviv.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal, at the weekly press conference, only said that they have seen the report of the ship and will revert with more information.

Meanwhile, a source said, “Investigation will reveal if the items on board were cleared for export and if the end user is the same as reported by The Guardian because there are items that are not banned for exports.”

Speaking to reporters in Brussels on Thursday on the issue, Mr. Alvares had said, “This is the first time we have done this because it is the first time we have detected a ship carrying a shipment of arms to Israel that wants to call at a Spanish port.”

“This will be a consistent policy with any ship carrying arms to Israel that wants to call at Spanish ports. The Foreign Ministry will systematically reject such stopovers for one obvious reason: the Middle East does not need more weapons, it needs more peace,” he stated.

The ship was carrying 27 tonnes of explosives according to local reports. It was to make a port call at Cartegena in Spain.

In February, Albares said that they had suspended arms export licences to Israel since October 7, which he said made them “realise” the importance of a “fair and lasting solution” to the Palestinian cause.

The incident comes amid an ongoing row between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s party and his coalition partners over another ship, Borkum, that was due to dock at Cartegena port on Friday over allegations that it was carrying arms meant for Israel. However, the Spanish government has said that the arms it is ferrying are meant for the Czech Republic.

Belgium had suspended two arms export licences to Israel.

“We welcome the decision of the Spanish government to deny the transit authorisation of the vessel Marianne Danica, in accordance with Tratado (treaty) on Arms Trade and Spanish law,” Amnesty International Spain said on social media platform ‘X’.

The timing also coincides with the Israeli ground offensive inside Rafah. According to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) at least 6,30,000 Palestinians have been forced out of Rafah since the launch of the incursion on May 7.

New Delhi, June 15 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomes Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, in New Delhi on Wednesday. (ANI Photo/ Dr. S. Jaishankar Twitter)

Spain clarifies stand

However, Spain has refused permission for a ship carrying arms to Israel to dock at a Spanish port, its foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, said on Thursday.

“This is the first time we have done this because it is the first time we have detected a ship carrying a shipment of arms to Israel that wants to call at a Spanish port,” he told reporters in Brussels.

“This will be a consistent policy with any ship carrying arms to Israel that wants to call at Spanish ports. The foreign ministry will systematically reject such stopovers for one obvious reason: the Middle East does not need more weapons, it needs more peace.”

Albares did not provide details on the ship but the transport minister, Óscar Puente, said it was the Marianne Danica that had requested permission to call at the south-eastern port of Cartagena on 21 May.

Benjamin Netanyahu and Pedro Sánchez pose in front of their respective national flags during their meeting in Jerusalem in November 2023

The announcement comes during a row between prime minister Pedro Sánchez’s Socialists and his coalition partners, the leftwing Sumar alliance, over another ship, the Borkum, which is due to dock in Cartagena on Friday.

Pro-Palestinian groups say the Borkum is carrying arms to Israel, prompting Sumar to demand that it be turned away. But Puente said the Borkum was transporting military material to the Czech Republic, not Israel.

Spain has been one of Europe’s most critical voices about Israel’s Gaza offensive and is working to rally other European capitals behind the idea of recognising a Palestinian state.

Spain halted arms sales to Israel after it launched a military onslaught against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The Gaza war began on 7 October when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel’s military retaliation has killed more than 35,000 people, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

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Sanchez stays on as Spain’s PM after weighing exit

Sanchez met King Felipe VI on Monday — a step that would have been necessary should he have decided to resign — but announced in a televised address that he had informed the monarch of his decision to stay on…reports Asian Lite News

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Monday he had decided to continue in office, days after abruptly announcing he was considering his future following the launch of a corruption investigation against his wife.

The center-left prime minister, 52, had surprised foes and allies alike when he said on Wednesday he was taking time from public duty to consider quitting. He described the court investigation of his wife Begona Gomez for influence peddling and business corruption as orchestrated by his opponents.

Sanchez met King Felipe VI on Monday — a step that would have been necessary should he have decided to resign — but announced in a televised address that he had informed the monarch of his decision to stay on. He had been encouraged to stay by widespread expressions of support over the weekend, Sanchez said.

“I have decided to go on, if possible even stronger as prime minister. This is not business as usual, things are going to be different,” he said in a national broadcast.

His announcement that he might quit had caused further turmoil in Spanish politics, where a fractious parliament has struggled to form coalition governments after close elections. Should a new election have been required, it would have been the fourth in five years.

The opposition will try to exploit the sign of indecision from Sanchez, but the impact may be limited because Spain’s political landscape is already so polarized, said Ignacio Jurado, political science professor at Madrid’s Carlos III University.

“His credibility is already hotly contested and voters have already given it to him or taken it away,” he said. “As a leader he has shown a weakness and it’s something that the opposition will exploit a lot.”

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Thousands protest against over-tourism in Canary Islands

The protests started at noon on Saturday (11:00 GMT), and an estimated 57,000 people participated, according to reports in Spanish media that cited the central government’s emissary in the islands…reports Asian Lite News

Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of the Canary Islands in Spain to call for changes to the mass tourism model that they claim is overtaking the Atlantic archipelago, according to Al Jazeera.

The protests started at noon on Saturday (11:00 GMT), and an estimated 57,000 people participated, according to reports in Spanish media that cited the central government’s emissary in the islands.

The demonstrators waved flags, as they crowded the streets of the main towns on each of the seven islands in the archipelago, holding signs with messages like “A moratorium on tourism,” according to Al Jazeera.

“Canary Islands are not up for sale,” and “Respect my home,” the slogans read.

Approximately twenty social and environmental organisations called for the protests, claiming that the overcrowding of tourists feeds an unsustainable business model that hurts both the environment and local people.

They have suggested an eco-tax to safeguard the environment, a tourism moratorium, and a crackdown on the sale of houses to non-residents in order to pressure the authorities into limiting the number of tourists.

Spain’s Canary Islands, an archipelago of 2.2 million people, were visited by nearly 14 million foreign tourists in 2023, up 13 per cent from the previous year, Al Jazeera reported, citing the official data.

The authorities in the islands are concerned about the impact on locals.

Meanwhile, the President of the Canary Islands Fernando Clavijo stated on Friday that he was “proud” of the area’s status as a top travel destination in Spain, but he also noted that additional restrictions were required as the industry’s growth is on a boom. (ANI)

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Slovenia, Spain back recognition of State of Palestine

Spain, long a champion of Palestinian rights, last month agreed with the leaders of Ireland, Malta and Slovenia to take the first steps towards recognizing a Palestinian state…reports Asian Lite News

Slovenia and Spain agree on the need to formally recognize a Palestinian state as a way to end the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the leaders of the two countries said on Tuesday.

They must also act to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza amid the war between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave, they said.

“The most important thing is that we have addressed a whole series of questions – when, not if, but when is the best moment to recognize Palestine,” Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said at a joint news conference with Spain’s Pedro Sanchez.

Golob gave no timeline, saying the matter did not depend on Slovenia and Spain alone but on other international factors. But Slovenia would vote in the United Nations Security Council for full membership of a Palestinian state, he said.

Spain, long a champion of Palestinian rights, last month agreed with the leaders of Ireland, Malta and Slovenia to take the first steps towards recognizing a Palestinian state.

The efforts come as the death toll in Gaza from Israel’s offensive to crush Hamas neared 34,000. Much of the territory has been flattened by Israeli bombardments, leaving most of the people destitute while a famine looms.

Israel has said the four EU countries’ initiative would amount to a “prize for terrorism” that would reduce the chances of a negotiated resolution to the generations-old conflict. The latest Gaza war broke out after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on Oct.7, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostage.

Sanchez’s visit to Slovenia was part of a tour of several European countries to try to garner support for the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Arab states and the European Union agreed at a meeting in Spain in November that a two-state solution was the answer to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The goal of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel has long been the basis for international peace efforts, but these have been stalled for a decade.

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Spanish PM Calls for Recognition of Palestinian State Amid Gaza Conflict

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday reiterated the need for recognising a Palestinian state as part of the solution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has claimed an estimated 33,000 Palestinian lives…reports Asian Lite News

He asked all parties involved for a permanent ceasefire and condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7 last year, which triggered the months-long conflict, as well as demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages…reports Asian Lite News

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday reiterated the need for recognising a Palestinian state as part of the solution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has claimed an estimated 33,000 Palestinian lives.

Calling the conflict “one of the most deplorable humanitarian disasters of this century,” Sanchez said in the Spanish Congress (lower house of Parliament) that “Israel’s disproportionate response is overturning decades of humanitarian law and threatens to destabilize the Middle East and the world,” Xinhua news agency reported.

He asked all parties involved for a permanent ceasefire and condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Oct.7 last year, which triggered the months-long conflict, as well as demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages.Sanchez insisted on the need to “bet on peace,” and establish contacts that are “more necessary than ever to save lives and ensure security and peace in the region, which has a direct impact on our security, economy, and social cohesion.”

He added that most European countries agree on the need for a two-state solution to the conflict and the creation of a Palestinian State.”It is fair, it is demanded by the social majority” and it is in the interest of Spain, said Sanchez. “Spain is prepared to recognize the Palestinian State.”   Also on Wednesday, Spanish government spokesperson Pilar Alegre announced that Sanchez would initiate a round of talks with European leaders, saying the prime minister is scheduled to meet with the leaders of Ireland and Norway on Friday to promote the two-state solution.

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