In a significant development, Slovenia's government has endorsed a motion to officially recognize a Palestinian state and has urged parliament to do the same. Prime Minister Robert Golob announced that his government has sent the recognition proposal to parliament, which could convene as early as next week. The move aims to promote peace through a two-state solution, according to Golob.

Emphasizing that the decision is not intended to be against any particular country, including Israel, Golob stated that it is a message of peace. As a symbolic gesture, the Palestinian flag was displayed on the government headquarters in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. However, Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, expressed his hope that the Slovenian parliament would reject the government's decision. Katz criticized the move, stating that it rewards Hamas for their violent actions and undermines the close friendship between Slovenia and Israel.

Parliamentary approval is essential for the recognition to come into effect, and it is expected to be a formality as Golob's ruling liberal coalition holds a comfortable majority in the 90-member assembly. If approved, Slovenia will join the ranks of ten European Union nations that have officially recognized a Palestinian state, becoming the 10th EU member to do so. It is worth noting that Norway, while not an EU member, generally aligns its foreign policy with the bloc and has also recognized Palestine.

Slovenia initiated the recognition process in early May but had been waiting for improvements in the situation of the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict in Gaza. However, Golob recently expedited the process following Israel's latest attacks on Rafah, leading to the displacement of over one million Palestinians. Over 140 countries currently recognize a Palestinian state, accounting for more than two-thirds of the United Nations.

The decision by Slovenia's government to recognize Palestine has further strained relations between the European Union and Israel. Spain, Ireland, and now Slovenia have taken steps to recognize Palestine, and Spain and Ireland are calling on the EU to take action against Israel for its continued attacks on Rafah in southern Gaza. The recent assault by Israel was in response to a Hamas-led attack in early October, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of approximately 250 hostages. The conflict has escalated, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting that Israel's air and land attacks have resulted in the deaths of 36,000 Palestinians, without distinguishing between combatants and civilians.

As the motion awaits parliamentary approval, the recognition of a Palestinian state by Slovenia marks another significant development in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community continues to grapple with finding a path to lasting peace in the region, as tensions between the EU and Israel deepen.