In a significant gathering held on Friday in Madrid, representatives from the Ministerial Joint Contact Group of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), including the Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, alongside the Foreign Ministers and representatives of Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain, addressed the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and reaffirmed their commitment to the two-State solution as the path to enduring peace. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the participants highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding since Oct. 7, 2023 and condemned the violence and terrorism affecting both Palestinians and Israelis. They emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of the two-State solution, stressing that it remains the only viable approach to achieve lasting peace and security in the region. "We call on the parties and all the members of the United Nations to join the broader meeting on 'The situation in Gaza and the implementation of the two-State solution as the path to a just and comprehensive peace,' on the margins of the next session of the UN General Assembly on Sep. 26, 2024," the statement declared. The statement further condemned unilateral measures, settlements, forced displacement, and extremism, which have obstructed progress toward peace. It underscored the importance of adhering to UN Security Council Resolutions, international law, and the Arab Peace Initiative. The participants expressed their support for ongoing mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, while rejecting actions that hinder these efforts. They called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the restoration of full control of the Palestinian Authority over Gaza and its borders. An urgent need for unconditioned and unimpeded humanitarian assistance was emphasized, including support for UNRWA and other UN agencies. The participants urged compliance with International Humanitarian Law and the orders of the International Court of Justice. The statement also addressed the escalating situation in the West Bank, calling for an immediate halt to military attacks, settlement activities, and land confiscation. It stressed the importance of maintaining the legal and historical status quo at Jerusalem's holy sites and recognized the key role of the Hashemite Custodianship in that regard. Additionally, the participants reiterated the need for universal recognition of the State of Palestine and its admission as a full member of the United Nations. They underscored that mutual recognition of Israel and Palestine is crucial for achieving peace. — SG
