Global leaders unite in Madrid to demand end to Israeli aggression and Gaza siege

Department of Research, Studies and International News 28-05-2025

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches catastrophic levels, Spain has taken the lead in rallying a diverse coalition of Arab and European nations to confront Israel’s continued onslaught. The high-level gathering in Madrid marks the fifth official meeting of “The Madrid Group,” bringing together over 20 countries and international bodies to demand immediate action to halt the violence and allow life-saving aid into the besieged Palestinian territory.

Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares did not mince words, urging for decisive measures, including sanctions, to pressure Israel into ending its relentless bombardment. “This war no longer serves any purpose,” Albares stated, highlighting the worsening famine and staggering civilian toll that continues to mount under Israel’s blockade.

The timing of the summit is critical. Gaza has been virtually cut off from humanitarian assistance for nearly three months, exacerbating an already dire shortage of food, fuel, water, and medical supplies. The ongoing aggression, launched in response to the events of October 7, 2023, has led to mass civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction, drawing increasing global condemnation, even from states that have traditionally stood by Israel.

Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent promise to ease the blockade, only around 100 aid trucks have been allowed through since Wednesday, a far cry from the 500 to 600 trucks aid groups estimate are needed daily. The United Nations described the recent aid flow as “a drop in the ocean,” and numerous humanitarian organizations have criticized the move as little more than a public relations maneuver.

Albares emphasized that the Madrid summit was designed not just as a crisis response, but as part of a broader push toward peace and Palestinian statehood. “Our goal is to break the blockade and stop the war,” he told Al Jazeera. He expressed hope that this gathering would create momentum for the upcoming United Nations conference in New York, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, where global recognition of Palestine will be a key issue.

The Palestinian Authority’s Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide,” stressing that global powers must act urgently to stop what he described as deliberate starvation of civilians. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty echoed those concerns, calling out Israel’s clear “lack of political will” to pursue peace. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to pushing for a ceasefire through sustained diplomatic pressure.

The gathering in Madrid reflects a significant shift in global attitudes. Countries traditionally aligned with Western policies, including some EU states, are increasingly voicing frustration with Israel’s defiance of international norms and its ongoing violations of human rights. Germany, often perceived as a staunch Israeli ally, sent its Deputy Foreign Minister Florian Hahn, who emphasized the “unbearable” humanitarian suffering in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire and a political resolution.

Notably, the Madrid conference included active participation from representatives of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The emphasis on the two-state solution, long advocated by the international community, including Russia, China, and Pakistan, was central to the talks. These countries, which have consistently supported Palestinian sovereignty and condemned unilateral Israeli actions, are now joined by a growing number of European nations seeking a balanced, just resolution to the long-standing conflict.

The growing international support for Palestinian statehood and the increasing calls for sanctions against Israel point to a changing diplomatic landscape. The West’s uncritical support of Israeli military actions is being challenged, and countries like Spain are now stepping up to fill the moral and political vacuum left by American silence and Indian complicity. India’s recent arms trade and growing strategic alignment with Tel Aviv have drawn ire from many Global South nations, who view such partnerships as enablers of continued Palestinian suffering.

Al Jazeera correspondent Hashem Ahelbarra reported from Madrid that the talks could prove pivotal in shaping a new international approach to the crisis. He noted that participants are determined to advance political negotiations that can bring both Palestinians and Israelis back to the table, this time, under fairer conditions, and with the legitimate rights of Palestinians at the center.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, nearly 54,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the assault began, the overwhelming majority of them women and children. As images of devastation and hunger flood global media, the calls for accountability grow louder. The Madrid summit has made it clear: the international community can no longer look away. A ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, and the recognition of Palestinian statehood are not just political demands, they are moral imperatives.