Madrid – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged the international community to maintain its support for the Palestinian people and ensure accountability for perpetrators of atrocities. Speaking during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Madrid on Wednesday, Sánchez emphasized the urgent need to address the plight of Palestinians and reiterated Spain’s commitment to a two-state solution.
Sánchez stated that this solution remains the only viable path to ending the occupation. He affirmed his dedication to promoting this solution by highlighting the suffering of Palestinians. “While there is talk of a ceasefire agreement, it must be genuine, not merely symbolic,” Sánchez declared. “We will not rest until the attacks against the population cease and the loss of life ends.”
The Spanish Prime Minister described the past year as “horrific” for Palestinians, calling for those responsible for what he termed “genocide” to be held accountable, ensuring justice and compensation for victims. He also expressed Spain’s unwavering support for the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing its central and essential role in shaping the future governance of the Palestinian people.
President Abbas thanked Spain for its leading role in recognizing the State of Palestine in May 2024 and its efforts to build an international coalition to expand recognition. He called for an end to all forms of violence in Gaza and the West Bank, reaffirming his commitment to a two-state solution based on international law, with a Palestinian state established on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
According to statements made by Abbas at a joint press conference, the two leaders discussed the situation in Gaza, including the implementation of former US President Donald Trump’s plan to halt the conflict. They also addressed UN Security Council Resolution 2803, passed last November, which calls for a cessation of hostilities, the delivery of humanitarian aid, the restoration of essential services, the prevention of displacement, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the commencement of reconstruction.
Abbas also highlighted discussions regarding the “dangerous developments” in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, calling for an end to settlement expansion and settler violence, as well as the release of frozen Palestinian funds. Spain has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause.
