Madrid Group meeting_ Spain advocates suspending EU-Israel deal over Gaza war

Madrid Group meeting_ Spain advocates suspending EU-Israel deal over Gaza war

EU and Arab leaders convened in Madrid for urgent talks on Gaza, with Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares telling Al Jazeera the priorities are "stopping the war" and ensuring aid access.

He revealed the EU is reviewing its Israel association agreement over human rights violations, urging potential sanctions if attacks continue.

Albares, co-chairing a two-state initiative with Jordan, warned the solution is "near nonviable" without swift Palestinian recognition, advocating a UN membership timeline.

The minister compared stalled EU action on Israel to its Russia response, stressing "sanctions must be debated." While acknowledging US-Israel ties, he insisted global consensus now backs the two-state model as the only path to peace.

The Madrid Group aims to build pressure to end Gaza’s blockade and revive political talks, with Albares calling the meeting "pivotal" for momentum ahead of June’s UN conference.