The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud, expressed gratitude to Spain for giving hope in a dark moment by recognizing the State of Palestine. The prince is part of a group of representatives from Muslim-majority countries, including Palestine, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. They met with Spanish officials to discuss the situation in Gaza, calling for a permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas. Spain’s decision to recognize Palestine was praised as brave and the group urged other EU countries to follow suit.
During their visit to Madrid, the delegation was received by Spanish President Pedro Sánchez and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. Sánchez reiterated the need to stop the military operation in Rafah and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. He also demanded the unconditional release of hostages by Hamas and compliance with the International Court of Justice’s order. The Jordanian foreign minister expressed solidarity with Spain against accusations from Israeli officials, while the Turkish minister called on other EU countries to follow Spain’s lead in recognizing Palestine.
Spain’s recognition of Palestine brings the total number of countries to 146, with Slovenia set to join soon. The goal is to normalize relations between Arab countries and Israel, with the support of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, both of which do not recognize Israel but endorse a two-state solution. The Spanish foreign minister emphasized the need for action to address the suffering and destruction caused by the conflict, including the high number of casualties on both sides. Spain, along with its Arab allies, is committed to working towards peace in the region.
The Group of Contact on Gaza was established following a conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to address the Arab-Israeli conflict, particularly after the escalation triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023. Members of the group met with EU foreign ministers in Brussels and the French President in Paris to seek support for their efforts. The collaboration between Muslim-majority countries and Spain reflects a united front in addressing the crisis in Gaza and advocating for peace in the region. The group is working to bring attention to the suffering of civilians and the need for a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
The visit of the Egyptian Foreign Minister to Madrid next week will further strengthen the diplomatic efforts to address the crisis in Gaza. The support from Spain and its Arab allies, along with the growing recognition of Palestine by other countries, demonstrates a global commitment to finding a resolution to the conflict. The coordinated efforts of Muslim-majority countries, the EU, and other international partners aim to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza and create conditions for lasting peace in the region. The recognition of Palestine by Spain serves as a catalyst for further diplomatic initiatives and solidarity among nations to address the ongoing crisis.
