Slovenia’s parliament on Tuesday approved the recognition of an independent Palestinian state, rejecting a proposal to call a referendum.

Slovenian lawmakers voted with 52 in favor and zero against recognition in the 90-seat parliament. The remaining MPs were not present for the vote, Politico reported. 

By recognizing the Palestinian state, “we are sending hope to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza,” Slovenia Prime Minister Robert Golob wrote on the government’s X account.

“I am proud that the National Assembly and the government recognized Palestine,” said the Balkan country’s Foreign Minister, Tanja Fajon, adding that Slovenia has become the 147th country around the world to recognize Palestinian statehood.

Last week, the Slovenian government decided to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state following in the steps of Spain, Ireland and Norway as part of a wider effort in recent weeks to coordinate pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza.

The government initially announced that it would send the decision to parliament by June 13, but it accelerated the process.