Spain open to recognizing Palestinian state, even if EU disagrees: Premier Sanchez

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday that Madrid is open to unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state, even if it goes against the opinion of the European Union.

"I think that the moment has come for the international community, especially for the European Union and its member states, to recognize the state of Palestine," Sanchez told media during a press conference on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing.

Sanchez said that ideally, the recognition would come all at once with at least several member states participating.

"But if this is not the case, of course, Spain will take its own decisions," said the newly re-elected Spanish premier, who previously vowed that recognizing the state of Palestine was a priority for his upcoming term.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo joined Sanchez on his tour of Israel, Palestine and Egypt.

He said the first priority was freeing the hostages held by Hamas and helping alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

"Then we will need to sit around the table and discuss the subject," said De Croo.