'Our voice must be heard loud and clear!' - Spain's Albares to present EU plan to end Gaza 'famine'

'Our voice must be heard loud and clear!' - Spain's Albares to present EU plan to end Gaza 'famine'

"Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Friday set out the objectives of the EU Foreign Affairs Ministerial in Copenhagen, stressing the need to mobilise European support for urgent measures in both Gaza and Ukraine. Albares drew attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, warning that Israel’s blockade had brought about 'famine' and endangered thousands of lives, including those of children. “We must do everything possible to stop this war. That is why I am going to propose a plan for the European Union to alleviate the famine induced by Israel,” he said. “This is a crucial moment for Spain and for Europe. It is a moment when our voice must be heard loud and clear in defence of peace, international law, the United Nations, and everything that we Europeans stand for in the Middle East. This issue has been introduced at Spain’s proposal,” he added. Madrid’s stance follows a joint letter from Norway and Sweden calling for sanctions on Israeli ministers and settlers in the West Bank, as well as Hamas leadership. Albares confirmed that Spain supports these proposals and would advocate for further initiatives in Copenhagen. The minister also underlined Europe’s responsibility in relation to the conflict in Ukraine. “Russia shows no sign of wanting a ceasefire, and that is why we must redouble our support for Ukraine in defence of its democracy, freedom, and sovereignty,” Albares said. “Europe is also at stake, its soul, its interests, and its values. Who we are in the world and how we are perceived matters,” he continued. The Copenhagen meeting will focus on humanitarian aid, sanctions and measures to strengthen Europe’s diplomatic weight in the Middle East, while seeking ways to reduce civilian suffering. Ministers will also assess EU backing for Ukraine, including military assistance and training. Since November 2022, around 80,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained at sites across Europe under the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM Ukraine). Member states are expected to discuss extending the mission’s mandate and setting priorities for future joint defence investments."

'Our voice must be heard loud and clear!' - Spain's Albares to present EU plan to end Gaza 'famine'

'Our voice must be heard loud and clear!' - Spain's Albares to present EU plan to end Gaza 'famine'

"Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Friday set out the objectives of the EU Foreign Affairs Ministerial in Copenhagen, stressing the need to mobilise European support for urgent measures in both Gaza and Ukraine. Albares drew attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, warning that Israel’s blockade had brought about 'famine' and endangered thousands of lives, including those of children. “We must do everything possible to stop this war. That is why I am going to propose a plan for the European Union to alleviate the famine induced by Israel,” he said. “This is a crucial moment for Spain and for Europe. It is a moment when our voice must be heard loud and clear in defence of peace, international law, the United Nations, and everything that we Europeans stand for in the Middle East. This issue has been introduced at Spain’s proposal,” he added. Madrid’s stance follows a joint letter from Norway and Sweden calling for sanctions on Israeli ministers and settlers in the West Bank, as well as Hamas leadership. Albares confirmed that Spain supports these proposals and would advocate for further initiatives in Copenhagen. The minister also underlined Europe’s responsibility in relation to the conflict in Ukraine. “Russia shows no sign of wanting a ceasefire, and that is why we must redouble our support for Ukraine in defence of its democracy, freedom, and sovereignty,” Albares said. “Europe is also at stake, its soul, its interests, and its values. Who we are in the world and how we are perceived matters,” he continued. The Copenhagen meeting will focus on humanitarian aid, sanctions and measures to strengthen Europe’s diplomatic weight in the Middle East, while seeking ways to reduce civilian suffering. Ministers will also assess EU backing for Ukraine, including military assistance and training. Since November 2022, around 80,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained at sites across Europe under the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM Ukraine). Member states are expected to discuss extending the mission’s mandate and setting priorities for future joint defence investments."