Minister Fajon: If we merely continue talking, there will be no Palestinians left in Gaza within a year or two

SLOVENIA, May 25 - "There are two states, and two peoples. The war in Gaza must end immediately. We must strengthen international calls for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian and medical assistance need to reach the civilian population in Gaza without delay, and we oppose the illegal expansion of Israeli settlements in Gaza. What we are witnessing today is a scandal. People are dying of hunger. These are grave violations of international and humanitarian law. I condemn the withdrawal of humanitarian aid being used as a weapon and as a mechanisms for political leverage. The people of Gaza are starving. If we merely continue talking, there will be no Palestinians left in Gaza within a year," Minister Fajon said.

She continued: "We must intensify our measures against the Israeli settlers and the Israeli government. This is a moment to press ahead with the recognition of Palestine, which is the only guarantee of security for both Israelis and Palestinians, and of their peaceful coexistence."

Marking the first anniversary of the recognition of Palestine by Slovenia, along with Spain, Ireland and Norway, Minister Fajon once again called on other countries, particularly those still hesitant, to follow suit. "Over the past year, Palestine was recognised by nine countries, and nearly two thirds of UN Member States (146) recognise its statehood. All members of the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation are willing to recognise Israel after the establishment of a Palestinian state." She reiterated that the implementation of the two-state solution is crucial.

Minister Fajon also underlined the need for stronger measures against Israel, including sanctions, an arms embargo and a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, stressing the importance of avoiding passivity.

Participants of the Madrid Meeting agreed that the upcoming conference in New York in June will be a pivotal moment in efforts to restore peace in the Middle East.

The Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-state Solution was established in September 2023 to move from declarative support towards tangible action. In anticipation of the upcoming High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, to be held in New York in June, Spain proposed the expansion of the Madrid Group to include other active members of the international community who are making an important contribution to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stabilising conditions in the Palestinian territories and promoting a political solution. More than 20 participants, representatives of states and organisations gathered in Madrid.

On the sidelines of the extended Madrid Meeting, Minister Fajon held a bilateral meeting with her Spanish counterpart, Minister José Manuel Albares. They discussed the urgent measures that need to be taken by the international community in response to the Middle East conflict and briefly addressed bilateral cooperation between Slovenia and Spain. Minister Fajon expressed Slovenia's wish for a Spanish airline to establish a permanent flight connection between Madrid and Ljubljana, extending beyond the summer months. She also advocated for intensified cooperation within the MED9 Group.