EU Urged to Recognize Palestine

The Left Party is advocating for all EU countries to recognize Palestine as a state. On Thursday, a similar demand was passed as part of a Gaza resolution.

– This is enormously significant, says Hanna Gedin (V)

On Thursday, the EU Parliament voted on a non-binding resolution regarding Israel's war in Gaza, focusing on three themes: the starvation in Gaza, Hamas's hostage-taking, and a two-state solution to the conflict.

The Left Party's parliamentarians submitted an amendment urging states to recognize a Palestinian state. It was voted down. However, the resolution passed with 305 votes in favor and 151 against.

The resolution includes a statement urging EU countries to recognize a Palestinian state and declares that the terrorist group Hamas has no role to play in Gaza's future.

Currently, ten of the EU's 27 countries recognize a Palestinian state, and 148 countries worldwide have made the same decision.

Proud of Margot Wallström

France plans to change its stance to "yes," and Belgium will soon make a decision. Sweden made its decision to recognize Palestine in October 2014.

– I was really proud the day Margot Wallström ensured that Sweden recognized Palestine. That was my Sweden. Now I am ashamed of the government's handling, says Hanna Gedin.

Hanna Gedin believes it makes a huge difference if more countries recognize Palestine.

– The EU Parliament has finally heeded the demands from Europe's streets and squares, clearly stating that the genocide must stop and peace must be built between two equal parties, says Hanna Gedin.

– The important thing is that the parliament increases pressure on the Israeli government. People are dying before our eyes. It is a human hell, says Hanna Gedin.

CORRECTION: In an earlier version, it was stated that the Left Party's amendment had passed. This is incorrect; the parliament adopted a non-binding resolution that, among other things, urges EU countries to recognize Palestine.