Global Leaders Meet in Madrid, Push for Sanctions on Israel and Gaza Ceasefire

A high-level meeting was held in Madrid where representatives from 20 countries, including members of the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other global institutions, discussed immediate and decisive actions to stop Israel’s attacks on Gaza and address the worsening humanitarian crisis.

The meeting marked the fifth session of the “Madrid Group” and aimed to set the stage for the upcoming UN conference on the two-state solution, scheduled for June 17 in New York, hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.

Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, called for international sanctions on Israel, stating, “The world must now take decisive action to end the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza. We must consider every possible step to stop this war.”

The European Union also announced a review of its cooperation agreement with Israel, citing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the prolonged blockade on aid. Despite Israel’s recent claims to allow limited aid, UN agencies confirm that only about 100 aid trucks have entered Gaza, while 500 to 600 are required daily.

Germany’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Florian Hahn, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, describing the current situation as unbearable. “Our foreign policy priority is now to end the war and revive diplomacy,” he said.

The Madrid meeting also built momentum for global recognition of Palestine as an independent state. Minister Albares emphasized, “We want to reinforce this process before the UN conference so that the world recognizes Palestine as a free state.”