The Slovenian government today approved the decision to recognize an independent Palestinian state.said Prime Minister Robert Golob, following in the footsteps of Spain, Ireland and Norway.

This decision was quickly condemned by Israel. He Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the decision rewarded Hamas for murder and rape. regarding the Palestinian Islamist group’s attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered the war in the Gaza Strip.

The Prime Minister of Slovenia said at a press conference in Ljubljana:

Today the government has decided to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state.

He Parliament country, member of the European Union, should approve the government’s decision in the coming days. The move is part of a broader effort by countries to coordinate pressure on Israel to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Golob also called for an immediate end to the fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and release of all hostages. “This is a message of peace”he claimed.

He The Slovenian government raised the Palestinian flag next to the Slovenian and EU flags in front of his house in the center of Ljubljana.

May 28, Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognize the Palestinian statewhich caused an angry reaction from Israel.

Of the 27 members of the European Union, Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria have already recognized the Palestinian state. Malta said this could follow soon.

Britain and Australia have said they are also considering recognizingbut France said now was not the time.

Germany has joined Israel’s staunchest ally, the United States, in rejecting unilateralism.insisting that a two-state solution can only be achieved through dialogue.

He The Danish parliament rejected on Tuesday the bill recognize a Palestinian state.

Norwaywho heads the international group of Palestinian donors, until recently followed the US position, but I lost confidence that this strategy would work.

Reuters