Slovenia becomes 147th nation to recognize independent Palestinian state amid ongoing conflict

Slovenia has become the latest European Union country to recognize an independent Palestinian state, bringing the number of United Nations member states acknowledging a Palestinian state to 147 out of 193.

The decision was made after the Slovenian parliament approved the move with a majority vote on Tuesday (4 June), dismissing a call for a referendum by the largest opposition party.

Last week (30 May), the Slovenian government decided to follow the steps of Spain, Ireland, and Norway by recognizing Palestine as an independent and sovereign state.

This decision is part of a broader effort to coordinate international pressure on Israel to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Prime Minister Robert Golob expressed his support on social media, stating, “Today’s recognition of Palestine as a sovereign and independent state sends hope to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza.”

Prime Minister 🇸🇮 Robert Golob: Today's recognition of Palestine 🇵🇸 as a sovereign and independent state sends hope to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and in Gaza.

— Vlada Republike Slovenije (@vladaRS) June 4, 2024

The parliamentary vote was scheduled for Tuesday, and the Foreign Affairs Committee endorsed the government’s decision with a majority vote on Monday.

However, the right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), led by former premier Janez Janša, proposed a consultative referendum on the recognition bid, which would have delayed the vote for at least a month.

The SDS argued that recognizing an independent Palestinian state was ill-timed and would benefit the “terrorist organization Hamas.”

Despite these objections, the ruling coalition, holding a majority in Slovenia’s 90-member parliament, proceeded with the vote.

The SDS withdrew their referendum proposal but resubmitted it hours later.

Ultimately, the Foreign Affairs Committee dismissed the proposal at an extraordinary session, allowing the recognition decision to pass with 52 votes in favour and none against, as the SDS had left the session in protest.

Slovenia’s Foreign Minister, Tanja Fajon, marked the day as historic, stating, “Today is a historic day! The National Assembly of Slovenia has officially recognized Palestine, making Slovenia the 147th country to do so.”

“This recognition is an expression of our commitment to peace and justice. Slovenia is on the right side of history, contributing to the two-state solution for lasting peace.”

Today is a historic day!The National Assembly of🇸🇮has officially recognized Palestine,making🇸🇮the 147th country to do so.This recognition is an expression of our commitment to peace&justice.🇸🇮is on the right side of history,contributing to the twostate solution for lasting peace. pic.twitter.com/IziP2BA44u

— Tanja Fajon (@tfajon) June 4, 2024

Of the 27 EU member states, several have already recognized a Palestinian state, including Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria.

Malta has indicated it may follow soon.

The recognition by these countries is seen as a significant acknowledgement of Palestinian rights and struggles for independence.

UN experts call for global recognition of Palestinian state

UN experts have urged all states to recognize Palestine and use political and diplomatic resources to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

“This recognition is an important acknowledgement of the rights of the Palestinian people and their struggles towards freedom and independence,” the experts stated on Monday (3 June).

As of 28 May 2024, the State of Palestine is recognized by the vast majority of UN member states.

The experts welcomed recent recognitions by Norway, Ireland, and Spain, which followed a UN General Assembly vote supporting Palestine’s bid to become a full UN member.

They emphasized that a two-state solution remains the only internationally agreed path to peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has sought arrest warrants against Israeli and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently ordered Israel to cease military operations in Rafah and reopen the Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid, complementing the ICC’s efforts to ensure justice and prevent further bloodshed in Gaza.

Since the cross-border attack by Hamas militants on 7 October 2023, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and over 250 hostages, Israel has been conducting military operations in Gaza.

According to Gaza health authorities, over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in the past seven months.