Slovenia's government recognises Palestinian state, needs parliamentary approval

The Slovenian government has approved a decision to recognize an independent Palestinian state, Prime Minister Robert Golob said, following in the steps of Spain, Ireland and Norway, Report informs referring to Reuters.

"Today the government has decided to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state," he said at a news conference in Ljubljana.

The parliament of the European Union member country must also approve the government's decision in the coming days.

The move is part of a wider effort by countries to coordinate pressure on Israel to end the conflict in Gaza.

Golob also called for the immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

"This is the message of peace," he said.

The Slovenian government raised a Palestinian flag alongside the flags of Slovenia and the EU in front of its building in downtown Ljubljana.