European parliament calls on member states to recognize an independent Palestinian state

In this resolution, Members of the European Parliament voted 305 in favor, 151 against, and 122 abstentions, emphasizing the urgent need to open border crossings immediately and end the humanitarian blockade of Gaza, which has “caused famine in the northern part of the region.” The resolution also called for the full restoration of authority and financial resources to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

In another section, the European Parliament welcomed the European Commission’s decision to suspend some bilateral support to the Israeli regime and called for a thorough investigation of violations of international law and the prosecution of those responsible. Additionally, Members called for sanctions against certain Israeli cabinet ministers and settlers.

The European body reaffirmed the two-state solution as the “key to achieving peace, Israel’s security, and regional normalization,” stressing that member states should take practical diplomatic steps at the United Nations General Assembly.

In recent years, the recognition of a Palestinian state has become a major discussion point in Europe. The European Parliament has previously supported the principle of recognizing Palestine, but the new resolution directly urges member states to take action on this matter. In recent months, several European countries, including Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia, have officially recognized Palestine, while other Western countries have announced that they will take this step at the United Nations General Assembly.