The Slovenian government approved a motion to recognize an independent Palestinian state.
According to Prime Minister Robert Golob. The decision is awaiting approval from the parliament, a vote that likely will be a formality due to Golob’s party majority.
“Today the government has decided to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state,” said Golob during a news conference in Ljubljana. He also called for the release of hostages and the end of hostility between Israel and Hamas.
“This is the message of peace,” he said.
Writing on X, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Slovenia’s move “rewards Hamas for murder,” and he urged the Slovenian parliament to reject the recommendation.
While Slovenia originally initiated the process of recognition in early May, the country said it was waiting for the conflict in Gaza to improve. Golob has expedited the process after the latest attacks on Rafah by Israel that have caused more than 1 million Palestinians to flee the area.
