Madrid Hosts International Meeting to Support the Two-State Solution and Halt War on Gaza
In a new diplomatic step to support efforts to end the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, foreign ministers from a wide range of Arab and European countries held an expanded meeting in the Spanish capital, Madrid, as part of what is known as the “Madrid Group.” The final statement issued from the meeting, published by the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday evening, emphasized the necessity of implementing the two-state solution based on relevant international legitimacy resolutions.
The attendees affirmed their full support for the efforts being made by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to reach a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, while also calling for the lifting of the siege on the region and the opening of all crossings unconditionally.
The ministers condemned the ongoing Israeli violations against civilians in Gaza, stressing the importance of providing support for relief and reconstruction efforts under the Arab plan for early recovery, which would enhance prospects for stability in the region.
The meeting, which included foreign ministers from prominent Arab and European countries, aimed to exert international pressure on the Israeli government to halt its military operations, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and return to the political path based on the two-state solution as the only way to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Participants included Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, Morocco, Bahrain, and Palestine, in addition to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Palestine’s participation follows Spain’s official recognition of it last year, amid expectations that other European countries, such as France, will join this step soon.
The meeting was also attended by foreign ministers from key European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Norway, Iceland, Slovenia, and Malta. The Brazilian Foreign Minister was also present, affirming that he was carrying directives from President Lula da Silva to support all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
