Bethlehem - Ma'an - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Tuesday that recognition of the Palestinian state had entered into force. He added that Madrid will recognize the Palestinian state, which will include the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also stated that "Spain will not recognize changes to the borders established in 1967 unless they are agreed upon by all parties." He added that recognition of a viable Palestinian state guarantees security in the Middle East, and that recognition of a Palestinian state is not directed against Israel. He also called for an international peace conference to implement the two-state solution. Some 144 of the 193 United Nations member states recognize a Palestinian state, including most countries in the Global South. Source: Maan News Agency