The Spanish capital Madrid is hosting a ministerial-level Arab-European meeting today (Sunday) to discuss implementing the Two-State solution and enhancing international dialogue to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Key Meeting Details:
Initiative: "Madrid+" summit convened by Spanish FM José Manuel Albares
Participants:
• Foreign ministers from Arab and European states
• Joint Arab-Islamic Ministerial Contact Group members
• European countries recently recognizing Palestine
• Key actors in Two-State solution efforts
Objectives:
Mobilize international efforts to end Israel's offensive in Gaza
Secure immediate ceasefire enabling:
Release of all detainees
Full humanitarian access per international law
Prepare for high-level UN-backed conference in New York (June 2025)
Context:
Follows Spain's September 2024 Madrid meeting with Arab/Islamic delegates from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Turkey, and European partners
Comes after Spain's May 28, 2024 recognition of Palestinian statehood (with Norway/Ireland)
Precedes granting full diplomatic privileges to Palestinian Embassy in Madrid
Previous Consensus:
Participants have affirmed that:
The Two-State solution remains the only path to lasting Middle East peace
Unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza must be immediate
Palestinian and Israeli states must coexist securely