BRUSSELS, Sunday, May 26, 2024 (WAFA) - Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mohammad Mustafa, said that the number of European countries that are expected to recognize the State of Palestine will soon double, calling on the countries of the world that have not yet recognized Palestinian statehood to take that step.

During a joint press conference with Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, in the Belgian capital, Brussels, Mustafa stressed "We trust that the number of European countries that are expected to recognize the Palestinian State will double in the near future.”

The Prime Minister called on all countries that have not yet recognized the Palestinian state to join this initiative and follow suit as soon as possible, as a step towards lifting the injustice to which succeeding Palestinian generations have been subjected for decades.

Mustafa welcomed the step taken by Spain to recognize the Palestinian State, commending this step as an affirmation of Spain’s unwavering commitment to justice for the Palestinian people.

He also welcomed the statement made by the Spanish president, Pedro Sánchez, in which he confirmed Spain's recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, freedom and security.

Prime Minister, Mustafa stressed that the Spanish recognition, joining 145 countries of the 193 member states of the United Nations that recognize Palestine as a sovereign state and aspire to peace and stability in the region, would serve as a basis for an irreversible path for achieving and supporting a Palestinian statehood.

"This is the only way to establish justice and peace in the region", stressed Mustafa, adding that the Spanish recognition of Palestinian statehood is consistent with international law and all UN resolutions, including the resolution overwhelmingly adopted by the UN General Assembly which backed a Palestinian bid to become a full UN member.

Mustafa said: "We consider this recognition a responsibility that falls on us to work together to reify this political recognition and turn it into reality.

For his part, the Spanish Foreign Minister stressed that the recognition of the State of Palestine is a considerable achievement of justice for the Palestinian people and the surest guarantor of the security of Israel.

"The Palestinians have a right to a state, just as the Israelis have a right to a state,” he stressed.

He further renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

T.R.