Fri Sep 13 07:36:00 UTC 2024: ## International Meeting in Madrid Aims to Revive Two-State Solution for Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
**Madrid, Spain** – Foreign ministers from several Muslim and European countries will convene in Madrid on Friday to discuss the implementation of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The meeting, hosted by Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, will include European counterparts, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, and members of the Arab-Islamic Contact Group for Gaza.
The two-state solution, outlined in the 1991 Madrid Conference and the 1993-95 Oslo Accords, remains the internationally recognized path towards peace. However, the peace process has stalled for years, exacerbated by the recent 11-month war in Gaza and ongoing violence in the occupied West Bank.
The urgency for a peaceful resolution has increased following the war in Gaza, the bloodiest episode in the conflict. In May, Spain, Norway, and Ireland formally recognized a unified Palestinian state, joining 146 other UN member states in doing so.
This Madrid meeting aims to address key issues hindering the implementation of a two-state solution, including the establishment of a Palestinian state, strengthening Palestinian institutions, and the demobilization of Hamas. The meeting will also discuss the importance of normalizing ties between Israel and other states, particularly Saudi Arabia.
The Gaza Contact Group, an initiative of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, comprises countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey. The group will participate in the Madrid meeting alongside the European and Palestinian delegations.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa is expected to attend, highlighting the importance of Palestinian involvement in the peace process. The meeting is seen as a crucial step towards revitalizing the stalled negotiations and finding a lasting solution to the decades-long conflict.
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