Madrid Group Gathers to Address Gaza Conflict

(MENAFN) This Sunday, the Madrid Group is set to assemble in Spain's capital city with the aim of amplifying international diplomatic efforts to persuade Israel to stop its military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, in an interview published by a news agency on Tuesday, emphasized the importance of uniting global perspectives.

"We want to mobilize the voices of the EU but also those outside the European Union in Arab and Islamic countries," he stated.

Albares further expressed a shared global aspiration, asserting, "We all want the same thing: to end this war, prevent Gaza from becoming a mass graveyard, and break the Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid."

This upcoming summit marks the fifth formal session of the Madrid Group, which brings together representatives from the Arab-Islamic Contact Group on Gaza alongside several European countries.

The group's last meeting, held in September 2024, included delegates from Spain, Norway, Slovenia, and Ireland on the European side, and Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain on the Arab-Islamic side.

Coinciding with the gathering, the European Union has announced a reassessment of its Association Agreement with Israel.

This pact offers preferential trade treatment and is contingent upon adherence to human rights standards. According to EU authorities, the review has the endorsement of 17 member countries.

In a related move, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has declared a pause in the UK's ongoing negotiations for a new free trade agreement with Israel.

"We are suspending talks," he said, condemning Israel for its "atrocious policies" in Gaza.

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