Spain has called for the introduction of sanctions against Israel
The international community should consider sanctions against Israel in order to force the country to end the war in the Gaza Strip, Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today ahead of a meeting of European and Arab countries in Spain (Madrid), where a call will be made to end the Israeli offensive.
After the recent expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza, several countries considered allies of Israel have joined the growing international pressure to end the war in the Palestinian territory.
The two-month blockade of the Gaza Strip has worsened shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine, raising fears of famine. Humanitarian organizations have stated that the minimal amounts allowed by Israel in recent days fall far short of what is needed.
Madrid will today host a meeting of 20 countries and international organizations to discuss ways to end the war, said Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares in an interview with French radio France Info, as reported by Danas.
"We must do everything, we must consider everything to stop this war," said Albares, adding that sanctions are also under discussion after the European Union recently decided to review its cooperation agreement with Israel.
A previous such meeting, held in Madrid last year, brought together countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, as well as European nations including Ireland and Norway, which have recognized the Palestinian state.
Today’s meeting will also be attended by representatives of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and will aim to promote a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, 1,218 people were killed, mostly civilians, according to AFP data based on official sources.
Hamas took 251 hostages, 57 of whom are still in Gaza, including 34 who have died, according to the Israeli military.
Nearly 54,000 people have been killed in the Israeli offensive, mostly civilians, according to the Health Ministry of Hamas in Gaza.
