Slovenian support for Palestine more than noting statehood

Slovenia has announced that it will recognise Palestinian statehood, joining countries such as Ireland, Norway, and Spain; this follows the country’s active participation in diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. [1]

Contents

Balanced approach by Slovenia in contrast to others Joining select European states in calling for ceasefire Seat at UNSC being used to speak on behalf of Palestine Apartheid regime’s world standing is completely diminished Government and settlers stopping critical aid from entering Gaza Analysis Also read

Prime Minister Robert Golob said in early May,

“The horrors we see every day in Gaza are inadmissible and must stop.

“I call on Israel to put an immediate end to its attacks on Gaza and to use the negotiating table.” [1]

The announcement comes amidst ongoing divisions within the European Union regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza. [2]

Balanced approach by Slovenia in contrast to others

While some European countries, such as Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands, have expressed staunch support for Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, Slovenia has condemned Israel’s actions and called for international accountability.

Its position on the conflict has been consistent, advocating for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the removal of restrictions on humanitarian access.

The country has also been a vocal supporter of a two-state solution, emphasising the need for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.

Joining select European states in calling for ceasefire

Back in October 2023, Slovenia joined several other European nations in voting for an immediate ceasefire during a session at the United Nations General Assembly. [3]

The move signalled Slovenia’s resolute support for peace in the region and its recognition of the urgency in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

And despite baseless accusations levelled against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) by Israeli authorities, the Central European country has remained steadfast in its support for the agency.

Notably, Slovenia has even increased its contributions to UNRWA in the face of fabricated Israeli reports, demonstrating its commitment to alleviating the humanitarian challenges faced by Palestinian refugees. [4]

Seat at UNSC being used to speak on behalf of Palestine

As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), Slovenia has consistently supported initiatives to promote the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Recently, the nation voted in favour of a proposal endorsing full United Nations membership for the State of Palestine. [5]

The Slovenian Foreign Minister, Tanja Fajon, has described the decision to acknowledge Palestinian statehood as a “moral duty”. [5]

The country’s foreign policy — rooted in respect for international norms and principles — reflects its historical context and the legacy of leaders like Josip Broz Tito.

Apartheid regime’s world standing is completely diminished

Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have and continue to include bombings and ground attacks, have been widely condemned for their extremely excessive use of force and total disrespect for civilian lives. [6]

Human rights groups have documented numerous cases of Israeli bombings on homes, educational institutions, and medical facilities, resulting in casualties of innocent civilians and extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. [6]

Moreover, the entity’s continued expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has been criticised — even more so during this genocide — as a violation of international law and a major obstacle to peace.

The expansion of settlements not only reduces the possibility for an independent Palestinian state. It also contributes to localised conflicts, which lead to frequent violence between Israeli settlers and native Palestinians.

Government and settlers stopping critical aid from entering Gaza

In addition to the above callousness, Israel’s blockade of Gaza has created an unparalleled humanitarian crisis which very early on resulted in severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. [7]

The United Nations has repeatedly called for an end to the inhumane blockade, rightly calling it a collective punishment and a violation of international humanitarian law. [7]

In this situation, Slovenia’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood sends a strong message to Israel and the international community, that the status quo is untenable. It also acts as a warning beacon, that meaningful steps must be taken to address the root causes of the conflict.

Slovenia has now joined a sizeable and steadily increasing group of European voices that are calling for justice, equity, and peace in the region, by standing in solidarity with the Palestinians.

Analysis

ANALYSIS

Shaheer Choudhury

Head of Editorial

Tide is turning in Europe

We welcome Slovenia's decision to join a select group of European nations in recognising Palestine.

In an ideal world, this would have been done decades ago, but the reality is that geopolitical manoeuvres are notoriously complex.

However, in the context of the ongoing genocide, this move has truly struck a chord. There is no doubt that the step has humiliated the Zionist entity, and so soon after Ireland, Spain, and Norway also declared their own recognition of the State of Palestine!

What next for the continent?

With the momentum firmly in favour of Palestine on the international stage, this is the time for other European nations to also recognise its right to exist as a sovereign state.

It is tragic that it has required the wholly needless deaths of over 35,000 mostly women and children — a figure which is very likely to be a massive underestimate — to get the world to wake up to the Zionist state's true intent. But the world must continue to isolate the last remaining European colony until it changes course.

It is not easy to forget the pain and suffering that Black South Africans faced for decades under apartheid until the 1990s, but this has not stopped ardent supporters of the current apartheid state from defending its actions to the hilt.

It's obvious that such defenders will shamelessly keep going, unless and until enough public opinion drowns out their views and makes it clear that such positions are against humanity, let alone international law.