President calls for initiating recognition of Palestine

President Zoran Milanović on Wednesday condemned Israel’s attacks on civilians in Gaza and urged the Croatian government to begin the process of recognizing Palestine.

According to a statement from his office, Milanović discussed the situation in Gaza with Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian.

The statement denounced Israeli military actions against civilians in Gaza and Israel’s reported plans to capture and occupy the territory, which Milanović said were unjustifiable.

Minister Aghabekian stressed that the only just resolution to the conflict is a two-state solution.

“Croatia should recognize Palestine as a step towards ending the war and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,” the statement said.

“Recognizing the Palestinian people’s right to their own state is the only way to secure lasting peace in the Middle East,” it added.

Earlier in the day, Aghabekian also met with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, though no statements followed those talks.

Plenković later expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a post on X, he wrote:

“We stand for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, the protection of civilians, and the unhindered delivery of aid to vulnerable populations, especially children.”

The prime minister, however, disagreed with Milanović’s call for recognition of Palestine, arguing that it is not yet the right time.

“The Croatian government remains committed to lasting peace and security, which can only be achieved through a two-state solution,” Plenković stated.

He added that Croatia supports a political process toward that goal, within the framework of the EU and the wider international community.