In a powerful diplomatic move, Spain convened representatives from 20 countries and international organizations in Madrid on Sunday, calling for an urgent end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The gathering aimed to revive efforts for a two-state solution and exert coordinated pressure on Israel to stop what Spanish officials described as a war that “no longer has any goal.”, reported the Maktoob Media.The high-level talks, part of the fifth official meeting of the “Madrid Group” or “G5+,” brought together European and Arab nations that support Palestinian statehood. Participants included France, Britain, Germany, and Italy, along with representatives from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Morocco, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Countries that have already recognized Palestine—Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia—and Brazil also joined.
Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares condemned the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, describing it as “inhumane and cruel,” and called for a complete ceasefire. “The war in Gaza must end. The Palestinian people have the right to hope,” he said, advocating a peaceful resolution through the two-state solution.
Calling Gaza an “open wound in humanity,” Albares warned that global silence would make the international community an “accomplice to this massacre.” He also called for a suspension of the EU-Israel agreement if Israel continues its aggressive military campaign.
Germany’s Deputy Foreign Minister Florian Hahn echoed these concerns, labeling Gaza’s humanitarian crisis “unbearable” and urging immediate diplomatic action.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa stressed the urgency of achieving peace, emphasizing the need for both Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully for regional stability.
The Madrid summit is expected to lay the groundwork for a pivotal United Nations conference on the two-state solution, set to be co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia in New York in mid-June.
