Spain formally recognizes Palestine

Israel has blasted the move, which Madrid first announced last week

The Spanish government officially recognized Palestinian statehood during a meeting on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has announced.

The diplomatic move comes at a time of intense fighting in Gaza, as Israel continues its ground operation in the border city of Rafah. 

Madrid revealed its intention to recognize Palestine last week in a coordinated move with the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland. Israel has accused the three EU nations of encouraging terrorism.

Earlier on Tuesday, speaking ahead of the formal recognition move, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stressed that the decision was not an attack on Israel, but a matter of historic justice, the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and a precondition for peace in the Middle East.

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