Tsipras urges Greek government to recognize Palestinian State

Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has publicly called on the Greek government to formally recognize the State of Palestine and to support international sanctions against the Israeli government, amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

In a post shared on social media Thursday, Tsipras accused the current administration of aligning with countries obstructing European efforts to pressure Israel diplomatically.

“Our country must immediately recognize the Palestinian state and support the imposition of sanctions on the Netanyahu government,” Tsipras stated.

His remarks follow a wave of recognition announcements from several Western nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Australia, which last week confirmed their decision to formally recognize Palestinian statehood—a move seen as a symbolic step toward renewed efforts for peace in the region.

Tsipras sharply criticized the Greek government's stance, particularly in light of its temporary role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

“Even though our country is a member of the UN Security Council, it refuses to take part in this coordinated recognition of the Palestinian state and sides with those countries that block the imposition of European sanctions on the Netanyahu government,” he said.

The former prime minister went further, calling the government's position “shameful,” and urged Athens to align with what he described as a growing international consensus in support of Palestinian statehood and accountability for the war in Gaza.

The Greek government has not issued an official response to Tsipras’ statements at the time of writing.