Spain has convened a high-level meeting of European and Arab foreign ministers in Barcelona aimed at building coordinated pressure on Israel to bring an end to its ongoing military operations in Gaza.
The summit, held on May 27, 2025, included participation from foreign ministers of several EU and Arab League states, along with representatives of international organizations. Discussions focused on efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire, ensure humanitarian aid access, and explore paths toward a sustainable political solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Unified Call for Ceasefire
Participants issued a joint statement urging an immediate end to hostilities and calling for full adherence to international humanitarian law. The statement emphasized the protection of civilians, the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access, and the facilitation of diplomatic efforts to reach a political settlement.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the goal of the summit was to forge a unified international message and to prevent the war from escalating further in the region.
“We must move beyond condemnation to coordinated diplomatic action,” Albares stated.
Support for Two-State Solution
Delegates reiterated their support for a two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. Arab foreign ministers, including those from Jordan, Egypt, and Qatar, urged European states to play a more active role in promoting peace talks and holding Israel accountable for violations in Gaza.
Several speakers also raised concerns about the displacement of Palestinians, destruction of infrastructure, and worsening humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
Rising Civilian Toll
The summit came amid intensifying criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, according to Palestinian health officials. The United Nations and international NGOs have warned that Gaza is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history, with shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.
Israel Absent from Talks
Israel did not participate in the Barcelona meeting and has not responded publicly to the summit’s conclusions. The Israeli government maintains that its actions in Gaza are aimed at neutralizing Hamas militants and that it takes precautions to limit civilian casualties.
Diplomatic Follow-Up Expected
Spain and its partners pledged to continue diplomatic outreach to other global powers, including the United States, to push for stronger international engagement and mediation.
The summit concluded with a commitment to establish a European-Arab working group to monitor developments in Gaza and coordinate future initiatives.
The meeting is seen as part of a broader shift in global diplomacy, as momentum builds among countries outside of Washington’s direct orbit to take a more assertive stance on ending the conflict.
Source; The New Arab
