#Spain and #Ireland are the largest and most politically influential #EU nations to recognize Palestinian statehood, joining a few other European countries that have already done so.
While largely symbolic, the three nations hope their move will gather momentum and spur more EU countries to follow suit. The #UK, #Australia and some other EU states have indicated they could also recognize Palestinian statehood. However, #France said now is not the right time, while #Germany sided with the #US in rejecting a unilateral approach, insisting dialogue is needed for a two-state solution (the model, the Oslo accords, favored Israel and the status quo at the expense of Palestinian right for self-determination).