Spain will not only recognize the State of Palestine, as announced by President Pedro Sánchez at the start of his latest trip to the Middle East, but will also support its entry as a full member of the United Nations, according to diplomatic sources. The admission as the 194th member state of the UN will be on the table even before the formal recognition by the Spanish Council of Ministers. Malta, one of the four EU countries that signed a joint declaration with Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia to recognize the State of Palestine, is currently presiding over the UN Security Council and has made the entry of Palestine into the UN a priority during its term.
The process of admitting Palestine to the UN involves obtaining majority votes in the Security Council and then the support of two-thirds of the UN General Assembly members. While it is likely that many countries that have already recognized Palestine will support its entry, the veto power of permanent members of the Security Council, particularly the United States, poses a challenge. However, the mere proposal of the initiative will lead to a debate in the international forum, providing an opportunity to discuss the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine and to advocate for an international conference, a proposal supported by Spain.
Palestine has been an observer member of the UN since 2012, a status that does not require Security Council approval, but its previous bid for full membership was unsuccessful in 2011 due to lack of votes. The upcoming debate at the UN is expected to highlight the two-state solution as the key to peace in the Middle East and encourage other EU states to follow Spain’s lead in diplomatic recognition of Palestine. For Spain, the decision will have minimal practical impact as the Palestinian National Authority office in Spain already holds diplomatic status and enjoys the same privileges as a recognized state.
The potential entry of Palestine into the UN faces challenges, including the possibility of a US veto, given the historical support for Israel in international forums. The decision to support Palestine’s UN membership highlights Spain’s commitment to promoting peace and dialogue in the region. The debate at the UN will bring attention to the plight of Palestinians and the importance of finding a lasting solution to the conflict. Spain’s participation in the UN debate, led by Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, showcases its active role in international diplomacy and commitment to advocating for global issues.
Overall, Spain’s decision to support Palestine’s entry into the UN as a full member underscores the country’s stance on promoting peace, security, and dialogue in the Middle East. While the process may face obstacles, the initiative reflects Spain’s commitment to advancing the two-state solution and advocating for Palestinian rights on the international stage. As the debate unfolds at the UN, Spain’s diplomatic engagement will play a crucial role in shaping discussions and highlighting the importance of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
