Spanish, Slovenian PMs call for end to Gaza violence

MADRID - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Robert Golob, the prime minister of Slovenia made a joint declaration here on Thursday, asking for an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid into the region on Thursday.

"Spain and Slovenia share the same vision of the catastrophic situation of the Palestinian people," commented Sanchez in the joint press conference after their meeting at Sanchez's official residence in Madrid.

He explained that "a year ago both countries (Spain and Slovenia) recognized the State of Palestine."

"We have always said this recognition is not against Israel. We condemn the attacks by Hamas (on Oct 7, 2023) and demand the release of those hostages who are still prisoners of Hamas," said the Spanish leader.

However, Sanchez added the countries were also "in favor of international rights and peace", insisting a "Two-State" solution was "the only possible solution" to the conflict.

He highlighted the tears of Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, who said the suffering of the population in Gaza was "unbearable".

"We defend that all of the European Union should join the arms embargo against Israel ... and the extension of individual sanctions (against Israel)," said Sanchez, who also criticized a "double standard" in attitudes between Ukraine and Gaza.

Golob also discussed the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza, saying that "We have signed a special declaration over the first anniversary of our recognition of the Palestinian State and it is a declaration in which we especially focus on international rights".

"So we ask for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid," he said.