The government of Slovenia today started the process for the recognition of the Palestinian state, as a means of pressure to end the war in Gaza, as it had announced since March.

“The atrocities we see every day in Gaza are unacceptable and must stop,” Prime Minister Robert Golob said on his government’s Platform X page. “I call on Israel to immediately stop its attacks on Gaza and use the negotiating table“, he added.

Golob said he would like his country’s recognition of Palestine to be an “incentive” to speed up negotiations and dialogue at the United Nations on a ceasefire, the release of hostages and the security and existence of Israel. through the two-state solution.

Ireland, Spain and other European Union countries are reportedly considering recognizing a Palestinian state on May 21, according to a report on Irish public television.

When Slovenia will recognize it will depend on the progress of the peace talks, but June 13 will be the deadline, Golob explained. If progress is made earlier, then the recognition process will also be expedited.

The ruling coalition made this decision unanimously, Golob stressed, expressing the hope that other countries will follow Slovenia’s example.

Spain, Ireland, Malta and Slovenia said in March they had agreed to take the first steps towards recognizing a Palestinian state. They are reportedly awaiting a vote at the UN General Assembly tomorrow, May 10, which could lead to Palestine joining the UN as a full member. Israel says the four countries’ plan constitutes a “prize for terrorism” that would limit the chances of a negotiated solution to the war in Gaza.