Danish parliament rejects proposal to recognise Palestinian state

Sascha Faxe, member of parliament for The Alternative, said recognising a Palestinian state was the only way to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.

By: Reuters

Copenhagen | May 28, 2024 10:47 PM IST

2 min read

From left, Belgium's Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Jordan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi attend a meeting for talks on the Middle East in Brussels. (AP Photo)

Denmark’s parliament rejected a proposal to recognise a Palestinian state on Tuesday, backing the government’s view that the necessary conditions were not in place, despite a decision by Spain, Ireland and Norway to endorse independence.

Israel, which has found itself increasingly isolated after more than seven months of conflict with the Palestinian militants of Hamas, which rules Gaza, has reacted furiously to the European moves.

The Danish bill had been proposed by four left-wing parties.

Sascha Faxe, member of parliament for The Alternative, said recognising a Palestinian state was the only way to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.

“The vast majority of Danish politicians agree that there will be no lasting peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution,” she said in parliament, adding that she saw recognition as a way to give rights to ordinary Palestinians.

Also Read | Spain’s prime minister says Cabinet will recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widens

Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen had previously said the Danish government could not recognise a Palestinian state because it did not have a single functioning authority or control over its own territory.

Rasmussen did not take part in Tuesday’s debate but has said he hopes Denmark will one day be able to give its backing to a Palestinian state.

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