By Belén Carreño
Spain hosted a crucial meeting on Friday involving several Muslim and European countries to discuss ways to bring an end to the Gaza war. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares emphasized the need for a clear schedule for the international community to implement a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The meeting, attended by foreign ministers from Norway and Slovenia, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, and members of the Arab-Islamic Contact Group for Gaza, highlighted the importance of moving from words to actions towards implementing a two-state solution, with Palestine joining the United Nations as a crucial first step.
Spain, Norway, and Ireland recently recognized a unified Palestinian state comprising the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This move, along with similar recognition from 146 out of 193 UN member states, underscores the global support for Palestinian statehood.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has advocated for the co-existence of two sovereign states as the only viable path to peace in the region, as outlined in previous agreements such as the 1991 Madrid Conference and the 1993-95 Oslo Accords.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, along with escalating violence in the West Bank, has added urgency to the search for a peaceful resolution. The meeting also aimed to address issues such as the demobilization of Hamas and the normalization of ties between Israel and other states, including Saudi Arabia.
Analysis:
The high-level meeting in Spain underscores the international community's commitment to ending the Gaza conflict through a two-state solution. Recognizing a unified Palestinian state and advocating for peace between Israel and Palestine are significant steps towards resolving one of the longest-standing conflicts in the world. As an investor or individual, understanding the implications of these diplomatic efforts can provide insight into potential geopolitical risks and opportunities that may impact financial markets and global stability.