Spanish PM says Gaza deal 'crucial' to regional stability

AFP , Thursday 16 Jan 2025

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday welcomed news of a ceasefire deal in the Israeli war on Gaza, saying it "is crucial to achieving regional stability."

Spanish PM
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. AP

 

"It represents an indispensable step on the path towards a two-state solution and a just peace that respects international law," he wrote on X.

He added that the deal "should put an end to the conflict, allow for the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza to be addressed and for the release of all hostages."

Sanchez has been one of the staunchest critics in Europe of Israel's brutal 15-month war on Gaza.

Under his watch, Spain in May -- along with Ireland and Norway -- formally recognised a Palestinian state comprising the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

"Spain is ready to provide large-scale humanitarian aid as soon as possible," the Spanish foreign ministry added in a separate statement.

Madrid "is committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement by the parties and to stabilising the situation, for which the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza and the humanitarian work of (UN Palestinian relief agency) UNRWA, which must be able to continue operating in the Strip, will be essential," it added.

Israeli lawmakers have passed legislation to bar UNRWA from operating in Israel and east Jerusalem. The agency provides assistance to nearly six million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

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