The government of Slovenia approved today a proposal for the recognition of an independent Palestinian state, Prime Minister Robert Globe said, following in the footsteps of Spain, Ireland and Norway.

“Today the government decided to recognize her Palestine as an independent and sovereign state,” the head of the Slovenian government said during a press conference in Ljubljana.

The move is part of a wider effort by countries to coordinate pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza.

In this context, Golob called for an immediate end to hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

“It is a message of peace,” he emphasized.

The Slovenian government hoisted a Palestinian flag alongside the flags of Slovenia and the EU in front of its headquarters in Ljubljana.

The parliament of the country, a member state of the European Union, must also ratify the government’s decision in the coming days. Its president announced that the body will vote next Tuesday on the official recognition of the State of Palestine.

“The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday from 16.00 local time (and Greek time)”, said today the Speaker of the Parliament Urska Klakočar Zupančić, during a press conference in Ljubljana.

On May 28, Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognized a Palestinian state, prompting an angry reaction from Israel.

Of the 27 member states of the European Union, Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria have already recognized a Palestinian state. Malta has indicated it could soon follow.

Britain and Australia have said they are also considering recognition, but France has said the time has not yet come.

Germany agrees with the US, Israel’s staunchest ally, rejecting a unilateral approach and insisting that a two-state solution can only be achieved through dialogue.

On Tuesday, Denmark’s parliament voted down a bill to recognize a Palestinian state.