Slovenia initiates first step toward recognizing independent Palestinian state

In a move to expedite an end to the war in Gaza, the Slovenian government on Thursday initiated the first steps toward recognizing a Palestinian state. The recognition process is expected to be completed by mid-June, according to a statement from Prime Minister Robert Golob. 

The announcement from Slovenia coincides with reports that several other European countries, including Ireland and Spain, are also considering recognition of a Palestinian state. According to Ireland’s national broadcaster, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTE), it could happen as soon as May 21.

Golob emphasized that Slovenia’s recognition is an attempt to accelerate talks within the United Nations for an immediate ceasefire and serve as “an incentive for these negotiations to proceed more quickly.”

"The atrocities unfolding daily in Gaza are intolerable and must come to an end," Golob said in a press release on the Slovenian government's official platform. "I urge Israel to immediately cease its attacks on Gaza and engage in dialogue at the negotiating table."

The date of Slovenia's recognition could be as late as June 13, depending on the success of the peace talks, Golob said. If talks accelerate, Slovenia will complete the recognition process more quickly.

The Slovenian premier clarified that the decision to begin the recognition process of a Palestinian state is contingent upon the release of Israeli hostages and significant reforms within the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Spain, Ireland, Malta, Belgium and Slovenia announced their intentions to take steps toward recognizing a Palestinian state in March.

In mid-April, European Union Foreign Policy Chief Joseph Borrell, during a meeting at the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia, announced that the EU member states were expected to finalize the process by the end of May.

Earlier in April, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that attempted to unilaterally upgrade the Palestinian Authority (PA) to a de facto state.

Since 1988, 140 of 193 UN member states have extended recognition to Palestinian statehood.

The countries in favor of recognition have reportedly been awaiting a crucial vote by the UN General Assembly on May 10 that could pave the way for the Palestinian state to be recognized as a qualified UN member.

Israel has criticized the recognition plans, calling them a "reward for terrorism" that could undermine the prospects of a negotiated resolution to the Gaza conflict.

In February, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement after a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden saying, “Israel outright rejects international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. Such an arrangement will be reached only through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions,” Netanyahu said.

“Israel will continue to oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such recognition in the wake of the October 7 massacre would give a huge reward to unprecedented terrorism and prevent any future peace settlement.”