Egypt, Spain FMs call for urgent ceasefire in Gaza

CAIRO – 14 March 2024: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Spanish counterpart José Manuel Albares Bueno said during a joint press conference that Egypt and Spain both agree on the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

"We value the role that Spain plays within the framework of the European Union […] We must work together to halt military actions in armed conflicts,” said Shoukry.

Shoukry continued that Israel deliberately hinders the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip, stressing that Egypt welcomes the proposed ideas to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, whether by land, sea, or air.

For his part, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno stated that his country will continue to support UNRWA, and will remain committed to assisting the 6 million Palestinian refugees.

The Spanish Foreign Minister stated that Egypt plays a prominent role in the regional dynamics, particularly concerning Gaza.

He emphasized Egypt's significance as a friend and crucial partner of Spain in the Mediterranean region, as well as its pivotal role in Africa.

He commended the Egyptian leadership's efforts in the negotiation process and its push for a ceasefire in Gaza. Albares elaborated that his country advocates for establishing a framework enabling both Palestinians and Israelis to coexist peacefullly, and criticized Israel's actions against the defenseless Palestinian population.

Israel has killed 31,341 Palestinians and injured 73,134 others since the 7th of October 2023 in the Gaza Strip, announced the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Strip.

Albares highlighted that discussions also tackled strategies for enhancing economic relations between the two countries.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Spanish counterpart José Manuel Albares Bueno jointly chaired a bilateral consultation session attended by delegations from both Egypt and Spain.

During the session, they discussed the advancement of bilateral cooperation, as well as efforts to bring the Israeli war on Gaza to an end and enhance humanitarian aid delivery.

The Spanish Foreign Minister initiated his Middle East tour with a visit to Jordan, focusing on discussions aimed at the cessation of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.