Spanish lawmakers pass symbolic motion on eventual recognition of Palestine

The recognition is hinged on a negotiated solution to the long-running conflict between Palestinians and Israelis

MADRID: Spanish lawmakers on Tuesday urged their government to recognise Palestine as a state, albeit only when the Palestinians and Israel negotiate a solution to their long-running conflict.

The symbolic motion, which echoes similar votes last month in Britain and Ireland, received the backing of all the political groups of the lower House.

British lawmakers had in mid-October voted overwhelmingly in favour of recognising Palestine as a state, in a non-binding motion heavy with symbolism but unlikely to change government policy.

The motion was passed by 274 in favour to 12 votes against, to “recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel” as part of a “contribution to securing a negotiated two-state solution”.

That vote was followed by Sweden recognising the state of Palestine in late October.