The meeting, focusing on the Palestinian cause and the implementation of the two-state solution, was attended by representatives of the Ministerial Joint Contact Group of the League of Arab States and Organization of Islamic Cooperation, foreign ministers, and representatives of Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain.

It also called for the full withdrawal of the Israeli forces from Gaza, including from the Philadelphi corridor.

In a joint statement, the participants said the meeting, which comes amidst the worst crisis that the Middle East has suffered in many decades, was held to reiterate their joint commitment to implementing the two-state solution as the only way to establish lasting peace and security.

The participants further emphasised that the international community has defined terms of reference and parameters for implementing the two-state solution during the years of the peace process.

These references are based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions, rules and principles of international law, and the Arab Peace Initiative. Instead, unilateral illegal measures, settlements, forced displacement, and extremism have frustrated both people’s hopes for peace, the statement noted.

"Since 7 October, an unprecedented tragedy of unspeakable human suffering and violations of international law have unfolded before our eyes and undermined international peace and security," read the statement.

The participants condemned all forms of violence and terrorism, calling for a credible implementation of the two-state solution.

Implementing the two-state solution would guarantee the Palestinians' rights and the security of Israel, and would also foster normal relations in a region where stability, security, peace, and cooperation prevail, the statement stressed.

Furthermore, the participants stressed empowering the Palestinian government to fulfil its duties in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

They also expressed full support for the ongoing mediation efforts undertaken by Egypt, Qatar and the US, and rejected all actions that hinder the mediation process.

"We are calling repeatedly for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages and detainees," the statement said.

Moreover, the participants emphasised the need for the immediate, unconditioned, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid by opening all Israeli crossings, and they expressed their steadfast support for the work of UNRWA and other UN agencies.

"We urge all parties to comply with obligations under international humanitarian law and implement the orders of the International Court of Justice," the statement said.

Similarly, the participants warned of the dangerous escalation in the West Bank. They also urged an immediate halt to military attacks against the Palestinians and all illegal measures that undermine the prospects for peace, including settlement activities, confiscation of land, and displacement of Palestinians.

"We emphasise that the legal and historical status quo at Jerusalem’s Muslim and Christian Holy Sites be upheld, and we recognise the key role of the Hashemite Custodianship in that regard. We call to hold all measures leading to regional escalation," the statement said.

In addition, the participants called on the international community to take active steps to implement the two-state solution, including global recognition of the Palestinian State and its admission as a full member of the UN.

"We underline that the question of recognition is an essential element in this new agenda for peace, leading to mutual recognition of both Israel and Palestine," the statement read.

The participants also recalled that their countries have agreed on the need to hold an international peace conference as soon as possible.

"We call on the parties and all the members of the UN to join the broader meeting on the situation in Gaza and the implementation of the two-state solution -- as the path to a just and comprehensive peace -- on the margins of the next session of the UN General Assembly on 26 September," the statement concluded.

Earlier Friday, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty participated in the Madrid meeting as part of Egypt's intensive efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, end the humanitarian catastrophic conditions, and implement the two-state solution.

Since the crisis began, Cairo has reiterated on several occasions its rejection of any Israeli presence in the Philadelphi corridor on the Egypt-Gaza borders and the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing.

The Madrid meeting comes amidst Israel's brutal war on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank that has raged for 11 months. As a result of Israel's bloody war on the strip, over 130,000 Palestinians in Gaza were either killed or injured. In the West Bank, attacks by the Israeli occupation forces killed and injured over 600 Palestinians.