Sun May 25 15:24:07 UTC 2025: ## News Article:

**Madrid Meeting Eyes Sanctions on Israel Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis**

**Madrid, Spain** – As a looming famine threatens Gaza under relentless Israeli bombing and an aid blockade, Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, has called for the international community to consider sanctions on Israel to halt its offensive. The call comes ahead of a high-level meeting in Madrid on Sunday, bringing together representatives from 20 countries, including European and Arab nations, along with international organizations such as the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Dubbed “The Madrid Group,” this marks the fifth official meeting of the group. Albares stressed the urgency of stopping the war and breaking the blockade of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, describing the situation as a “terrible moment” and a “humanitarian catastrophe.”

The meeting will also serve as preparation for a high-level UN conference on the two-state solution, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia in New York on June 17. Albares emphasized the goal of creating momentum for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state at the UN conference.

The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, exacerbated by a nearly three-month aid blockade, has spurred growing global pressure on Israel, even from nations traditionally considered close allies. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced limited aid access, the United Nations and aid organizations have criticized the amount as insufficient, describing it as a “drop in the ocean” and a “smokescreen.”

Germany’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Florian Hahn, echoed concerns about the “unbearable” humanitarian crisis, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a diplomatic solution.

The meeting aims to “stop this war, which no longer has any goal”, Albares said, while Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra reported that the talks will be “crucial” in exploring avenues for political negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, focused on ending the war and achieving a Palestinian state.

The ongoing Israeli assault has resulted in the deaths of almost 54,000 people in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, the majority of whom were women and children. The call for sanctions and the unified voice of international pressure highlight the growing urgency to address the escalating humanitarian crisis and find a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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