International Desk: Spain will recognize Palestine as an independent state by next July. Besides, the country will call on the Arab countries to recognize Israel as a state.

Also read: Law passed to ban Al Jazeera

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said this to journalists who accompanied him on a visit to Jordan on Tuesday (April 2).

This European country is trying to convince other European countries to recognize Palestine as an independent state. Slovenia, Malta and Ireland have already agreed. Last week, these four countries issued a joint statement. In the statement they said, Palestine will be recognized as an independent state only when the time is right.

Also read: Strong earthquake in Japan

According to the Spanish press El Pais, the Prime Minister of Spain believes that when they recognize Palestine as an independent country, other European countries will follow the same path.

Recognition could be accelerated between the end of the ongoing war in Gaza and the US presidential election in November. After the November election, Donald Trump can be seen again as the new president of the United States.

Read more: 9 killed in landmine explosion

Israel has reacted to the recognition of Palestine by 4 European countries. They said recognizing Palestine at the moment would mean rewarding armed groups.

SUN NEWS/MR