“We hope for a permanent ceasefire. The diplomatic solution is the only possible one,” said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at the Rafah border crossing, where they were waiting for the arrival of the first hostages released under the agreement. Hoping for a lasting ceasefire, the two called for “a political solution” and the organization of “a peace conference as soon as possible.”
In the short term, “a longer ceasefire and response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.” “We say to Hamas: Please release the hostages,” De Croo said. “Hamas initiated all this and Israel had the right to defend itself.” “However,” he added, “it is necessary to put an end to the construction of settlements in the West Bank. The law must be respected and the terrorist attacks must stop.”
To resolve the conflict in the Middle East, “there is no military solution, the only possible solution is a political one,” said de Croo, after which “the goal is a permanent ceasefire: we must do everything to seize this moment and everyone “Take hostages and ensure that over 1,000 trucks carrying humanitarian aid cross the border.” De Croo also hoped that “other border crossings” would be opened to allow aid deliveries to Gaza, “including on the border with Israel, not just in the Egyptian one.”
“It is time for the international community, and especially the European Union and its member states, to recognize the State of Palestine once and for all,” Sánchez added. “It is something that is worthwhile, that is sufficiently important and that numerous member states believe should be done together. But if that doesn’t happen, Spain will make its own decisions,” Sánchez added, arguing that the current decision “is a fundamental moment” in which “the entire international community will show its full support” for “a lasting solution.” must that “can satisfy Israelis and Palestinians.”
The two prime ministers therefore reiterated their belief that the humanitarian ceasefire must continue and Egypt must open other border crossings in addition to Rafah because “the civilian population of Gaza needs it.” “We must put an end to this humanitarian catastrophe. Humanitarian aid must reach Gaza in a sufficient and regular manner,” Sanchez said, thanking Egypt for its efforts so far and expressing the commitment of Spain and the entire European Union for its support.
“We must begin the final implementation of the two-state solution today. We need a serious approach to achieve peace and any solution must be comprehensive,” he added. De Croo called the release of 13 Israeli hostages “good news,” “but we need something more,” he added, “the end goal is a permanent ceasefire.”