Spain and Egypt have expressed support for the latest Gaza cease-fire agreement proposed by US President Joe Biden. The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Madrid on Monday, ahead of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry's meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. "We must end the hostilities that are causing such suffering for civilians and take steps toward new management of Gaza. That's why we support the US proposal, just like we've supported other cease-fire proposals," stated Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. Biden's plan includes a three-stage process: a six-week cease-fire, followed by negotiations for a permanent end to hostilities, and measures to facilitate the reconstruction of the enclave. Albares emphasized that "as soon as the weapons stop firing," control of all Palestinian territories should be handed over to the Palestinian Authority. Shoukry highlighted Egypt's active role in collaborating with international partners such as the US, EU, and Qatar to gain acceptance for the cease-fire proposal. He stressed that any peace plan must include Palestinian control of the Rafah crossing, the only point of communication between Gaza and the outside world. "Gazans need health, education, and food, and this all goes through Egypt," Shoukry said. The Egyptian Foreign Minister also underscored the importance of the Egypt-Israel peace treaty and urged all parties to take responsible measures to ensure its respect. Earlier, the foreign ministers held a private meeting where they discussed the two-state solution and efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation. Egypt praised Spain's recent recognition of a Palestinian state, calling it a "moral attitude that fosters trust" and aligns with international cooperation. "Spain is often the spokesperson for Egypt in the EU, as it knows our issues, challenges, and what we can offer very well," Shoukry noted. Albares thanked Egypt for its efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East and for its role in cease-firenegotiations. During his visit to Madrid on June 2nd and 3rd, Shoukry held extensive consultations with Albares and met with Prime Minister Sánchez to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional issues, primarily the latest developments in Gaza. According to Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks underscored the historical friendship and shared visions between the two nations. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in military, economic, cultural, and tourism sectors. Shoukry welcomed Spanish companies' involvement in Egyptian infrastructure projects and invited them to participate in an upcoming investment conference organised in cooperation with the EU, aimed at attracting European investments to Egypt. Illegal immigration was another key topic, with Shoukry advocating for a comprehensive approach that includes development efforts to address the root causes of migration and strengthening regular migration pathways. The ministers also discussed the deteriorating situation in Gaza, recent international efforts to achieve a cease-fire, and the importance of Spain's role within the EU in supporting these initiatives. Albares reiterated Spain's commitment to containing the crisis, enhancing humanitarian aid delivery, and supporting the two-state solution. Shoukry praised Spain's decision to recognise the State of Palestine and expressed hope for more European countries to follow suit. He also highlighted Egypt's expectation for Spain's support of the Egyptian-Qatari-American initiative to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas, aiming to end the ongoing conflict and prevent further regional instability. Prime Minister Sánchez commended Egypt's efforts on both political and humanitarian fronts to resolve the crisis and affirmed Spain's support for Biden's cease-fire initiative, emphasising the importance of implementing the two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in the region.
