Europe Call for an end to the Gaza war at meeting in Madrid

Several European, Asian and African countries are calling for an end to the war in Gaza between Israel and the Islamist Hamas, according to Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. They had come together in Madrid "to press for an end to the war in Gaza and for the implementation of the two-state solution".

Albares made the announcement on Platform X at a meeting of foreign ministers on Friday.

"The two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace", said Albares afterwards. However, a ceasefire, the release of the hostages still being held by Hamas and a massive influx of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip were more urgent.

The left-wing government in Madrid is one of the fiercest critics in Europe of Israel's military action in Gaza. In addition to Spain, the EU countries Ireland, Slovenia and Norway also recognized Palestine as an independent state in early summer.

The meeting in Madrid was attended by EU foreign affairs representative Josep Borrell, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, the Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Abul Gheit, as well as ministers and representatives from Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, among others.