Ireland, Spain and a number of other European Union member states are considering recognising a Palestinian state on May 21, according to a report by Ireland'snational broadcaster.RTE News on Wednesday evening said contacts between Dublin and Madrid, and between Slovenia and Malta, had intensified with a view to the countries jointly recognising Palestinian statehood.According to the report, the countries have been waiting for a vote by the United Nations General Assembly on May 10 which could lead to the recognition of Palestinians as qualified to become a full U.N.
member.In a joint statement on March 22, Spain, Ireland, Malta and Slovenia said they had agreed to take the first steps towards recognising a Palestinian state.Spain and Ireland have long been champions of Palestinian rights.
The efforts come as a mounting death toll in Gaza from Israel'soffensive to rout out Hamas prompts calls globally for a ceasefire and lasting solution for peace in the region.Since 1988, 139 out of 193 U.N.
member states have recognised Palestinian statehood.Israel has said that the four countries& plan constituted a &prize for terrorism& that would reduce the chances of a negotiated resolution to the Gaza conflict. (Reuters)    The post Ireland and Spain could recognise Palestinian state on May 21, RTE News reports first appeared on Ariana News.