Croatian President Zoran Milanović on Wednesday called on his government to initiate parliamentary procedures to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state.

The appeal came during his meeting in Zagreb with Palestinian Foreign Minister Farsin Aghabkian Shahin, where the two officials discussed ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza and broader regional developments.

In a statement, the Croatian presidency said Milanović strongly condemned Israel’s assaults on civilians in Gaza as well as announced settlement plans, reaffirming Croatia’s support for the Palestinian people and their rights.