European countries are recognizing Palestine as a state to increase pressure on Israel to stop bombing Gaza. Previously, Spain, Norway and Ireland have also recognized the Palestinian state. Among the 27 members of the European Union, Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria have already recognized the Palestinian state. Malta has said it will soon follow suit. . More than 36,000 Palestinians have been martyred in the brutal Israeli bombardment of Gaza for 7 months.