Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Norway have intensified their demand for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations, framing it as a critical step toward justice and a viable two-state solution. In a joint statement marking a year since their official recognition of Palestine, the four nations reaffirmed their commitment to an independent Palestinian state with contiguous territory encompassing the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem as its capital.  

The statement, issued during the "Madrid+ Group" meeting, stressed that recognition is no longer just symbolic but a necessary move to break the political deadlock. With Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza exacerbating global urgency for a resolution, the signatories highlighted the upcoming UN-backed peace conference on June 17 co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia as a pivotal moment to revive negotiations.  

Over 140 countries already recognise Palestine, but full UN membership hinges on Security Council approval, where the US or other permanent members could veto the bid. The European bloc’s renewed push signals growing impatience with diplomatic stagnation, urging broader international recognition as a pathway to Palestinian self-determination.  

For Palestinians, the move represents a long-overdue assertion of their rights amid relentless occupation and violence while testing the international community’s willingness to act beyond rhetoric.