Spain Rallies European, Arab Allies to Urge Israel to Halt Gaza Offensive

Spain Leads Push to Halt Israel’s Assault on Gaza Amid Humanitarian Collapse

In a powerful diplomatic move, Spain hosted European and Arab foreign ministers on Sunday in Madrid to call for an immediate halt to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, warning of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe and potential famine.

The meeting — part of the Madrid Group — marks the fifth official gathering of regional and international powers seeking to find a diplomatic off-ramp to the war, which has already killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated the besieged enclave.

“If Israel continues this course, the international community must consider sanctions,” Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated, urging urgent pressure to force a ceasefire and the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid.

The group includes several European Union members — traditionally close allies of Israel — who are now publicly voicing concern over Israel’s widening offensive and its impact on civilians.

Gaza on the Brink: Aid Blockade Fuels Starvation

According to the United Nations, Israel’s nearly three-month blockade of Gaza has created a “perfect storm” of suffering. The siege has cut off access to food, clean water, fuel, and medical supplies for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, many of whom are internally displaced due to the unrelenting bombing.

While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that Israel would allow limited aid entry, only about 100 trucks have entered Gaza since Wednesday — far below the 500–600 trucks aid agencies say are needed daily to prevent famine.

“This trickle of aid is a drop in the ocean,” said a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Aid groups have blasted the Israeli announcement as a “smokescreen”, masking the true scale of the crisis.

Footage from the enclave shows malnourished children, overwhelmed hospitals, and families living among rubble, with humanitarian workers warning of a looming famine if conditions don’t improve immediately.

Diplomatic Frustration Mounts

Countries such as Ireland, Norway, and Belgium have expressed growing discontent with Israel’s refusal to scale back its offensive, and are now joining Spain’s push for stronger international consequences.

Arab nations in attendance echoed the call for an immediate ceasefire and the implementation of a long-sought two-state solution, warning that ongoing military action risks triggering broader instability in the region.

Despite Israel’s pledge to allow “basic aid,” the situation on the ground suggests otherwise. Aid convoys face logistical hurdles and are routinely delayed, blocked, or attacked en route to distribution points in Gaza.

“There is no time left. Gaza is collapsing, and words alone will no longer suffice,” said Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, calling on Europe to move beyond statements to “real action.”