At a meeting in Madrid, officials from Arab, Turkish, and European countries came together to discuss a two-state solution for Israel-Palestine and the urgent need for humanitarian aid for Gaza. Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, expressed support for ceasefire efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to end the violence in Gaza. The meeting, hosted by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, brought together Foreign Ministers from Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Norway, Turkey, and Egypt, as well as representatives from the Arab League, Qatar, and the EU.
Albares highlighted the unity of the contact group in implementing the two-state solution, stating that the group is not limited by geography but united by a common goal to push for collective action by the international community. He called for the release of Israeli hostages and emphasized the urgent need for the massive, immediate, and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Spain, along with Norway and Ireland, formally recognized a Palestinian state in May, a decision that was met with strong reaction from Israel.
The meeting in Madrid was an opportunity for officials to discuss concrete steps towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and supporting Gaza, which has been facing a humanitarian crisis. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution as the best way to achieve lasting peace in the region. The presence of representatives from a diverse group of countries and organizations showcased international support for finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Spain’s Foreign Minister underlined the importance of international cooperation in addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, stressing the need for urgent humanitarian aid to be delivered to the region. The call for the release of Israeli hostages and the immediate entry of aid into Gaza reflects the pressing nature of the situation on the ground. The meeting highlighted the willingness of participating countries to work together to address the humanitarian and political challenges in Israel-Palestine.
The discussions in Madrid also focused on the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by Spain, Norway, and Ireland, prompting further debate and reaction from Israel. The decision to formally recognize Palestine was seen as a significant step towards supporting Palestinian rights and aspirations for statehood. It sent a clear message of solidarity and support for the Palestinian people in their quest for self-determination and sovereignty.
Overall, the meeting in Madrid served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among countries with a stake in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in Gaza. The importance of international cooperation, solidarity, and collective action in addressing the crisis was underscored. Calls for urgent humanitarian aid, the release of Israeli hostages, and the implementation of a two-state solution demonstrated a shared commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict in the region.
