Spain Calls for Immediate Ceasefire Amidst Rising Violence in Lebanon and Gaza
Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, has expressed grave concern over the escalating violence in the Middle East, particularly highlighting Israel's recent incursions into southern Lebanon, which have led to the displacement of over a million people and caused 1,600 deaths. Despite the significant humanitarian crisis unfolding, the Spanish government has refrained from implementing any coercive measures against Israel, despite an alarming total of 40,000 casualties reported in Gaza over the past year due to ongoing military operations.
Albares described the situation as 'unbearable for the most basic humanity', calling for an urgent end to the strife that has plagued the region. He emphasized the necessity for peace, underscoring that adherence to international law is crucial, which entails the protection of civilians as well as the need for dialogue and mutual recognition between conflicting parties.
The Foreign Minister condemned military actions from both sides, acknowledging recent missile launches by Hizbullah alongside strong denunciations of the October 7 attack by Hamas. However, he pointed to Israel's actions in Lebanon as particularly concerning, noting that the casualties there mark the highest in three decades. 'This spiral of violence must cease,' Albares asserted, illustrating the dire need for a peaceful resolution.
Albares also recognized how various fronts of conflict are escalating in the region, pointing to the rise of tensions in Yemen and Iraq as indicators of the potential for a broader war. He called on the international community to take responsibility, urging restraint from both Iran and Israel to prevent further destabilization.
Furthermore, Spain is advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken during the conflict. In Lebanon, the call is for a halt to ground invasions, underlining the necessity of a truce in both regions. The foreign minister highlighted the urgent human dimension of the conflict, with thousands injured and a million displaced, stating that Spain stands willing to assist Lebanese civilians and work towards deescalation.
Albares reiterated the involvement of UN troops under the FINUL mission, which is spearheaded by Spanish command, advocating for a UN Security Council resolution aimed at the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the deployment of additional FINUL forces. He stressed that 'Lebanon is a sovereign state' and condemned the ongoing indiscriminate bombings that threaten its stability.
The Spanish government remains unified in its goal: to secure peace in the Middle East, to uphold international humanitarian law, and to protect civilians caught in the crossfire. The situation in Lebanon is described as extremely grave, compounded by a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank. Albares emphasized that recognizing Lebanon’s sovereignty brings a new dimension to the ongoing conflict, necessitating immediate international action to alleviate the suffering of those affected.
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