Slovenia’s ‘moral duty’: What’s behind its push to recognise Palestine?
Al Jazeera
As Israel’s war rages in Gaza, Slovenia is joining a clutch of European nations that hope to pave a pathway to peace.
Slovenia is set to recognise Palestinian statehood in June, following in the footsteps of Ireland, Norway, and Spain.
But Israel’s war on Gaza continues to divide European Union members. On one end of the spectrum, countries such as Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands staunchly support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. On the other, those like Slovenia, which have strongly criticised Israel’s military conduct, are calling on the international community to Israeli leaders accountable.
While condemning both Hamas and Israel, Ljubljana has consistently advocated for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the removal of restrictions on humanitarian access, and bold steps toward a two-state solution.
In October 2023, Slovenia joined Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Spain in voting for an immediate ceasefire at the UN General Assembly.
When Israeli officials accused the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) of permitting Hamas to infiltrate the body, which resulted in the United States and other Western governments cutting off support to the agency, Slovenia not only continued funding it, but also increased contributions.
