Madrid played host to meetings involving European and Arab nations on Sunday, aiming to urge Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza and progress towards a two-state resolution.
The sole objective for everyone present here today is to halt the unfair, brutal, and inhumane conflict being waged by Israel in Gaza, end the restriction on delivering humanitarian relief, and firmly work toward achieving a two-state resolution,” stated Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, before addressing multiple journalists at the gathering of 20 nations.
Albares described Gaza as an “open wound in humanity” that continues to claim victims daily, and he cautioned that remaining silent makes one an “accomplice to this atrocity.”
The Madrid Group, also referred to as the G5+, consists of both European and Arab nations that advocate for the two-state solution.
Albares affirmed that the group will consider the tranquility and security of Israelis, yet stressed that Palestinians also deserve equal rights to this protection.
The two-state solution
“The Spanish government plans to suggest in Madrid today that there needs to be significant progress toward acknowledging the Palestinian State. This proposal does not oppose the State of Israel; rather, it supports the concept of a two-state solution,” stated the foreign affairs minister.
Albares further suggested suspending the EU-Israel agreement should Israel continue its intensified military operation in Gaza, aimed at exerting additional pressure on Hamas amid global disapproval.
Israel’s exertion of pressure on the militant organization involved a blockade of aid lasting nearly three months, sparking extensive worries regarding the severe threat of starvation.
The gathering on Sunday was the fifth occasion for this assembly of diplomatic representatives, preceding an important United Nations conference focused on the two-state solution. This event, scheduled for early June in New York City, U.S., will be co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.
The Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Mustafa, expressed his hope that US President Donald Trump would attend, and referred to the United States as an “essential player in the Middle Eastern region.”
We hope they remain highly involved. We appreciate their contributions toward achieving a cease-fire in Gaza,” stated Mustafa. “Thus, we look forward to increased and constructive involvement from the U.S., which we believe can lead to greater peace and stability in the area.
