Albares anticipates that Spain will sanction a first group of 12 settlers from the West Bank

Asks deputies and senators to support the Government in its commitment to the two-state solution

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, has indicated that the Government is preparing to sanction a first group of twelve violent settlers from the West Bank, while once again calling for an "immediate and permanent ceasefire." " and the release of the hostages held by Hamas.

This is the first time that the minister specifies the specific number that will be affected by the measure prepared by the Government, after it has not been possible to reach an agreement with Twenty-seven so that the EU could take a step in this regard.

As he explained during his appearance before the Joint Commission for the EU, the Government has already "initiated the procedures to impose sanctions on a first group of 12 violent settlers from the West Bank." "We know that silence and inaction always work against victims," ​​she said. Specifically, the Government will prohibit the entry into Spain of these people, according to diplomatic sources.

Likewise, he stressed that "Spain has maintained a firm and clear position" since the terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel on October 7. "We have condemned Hamas' terrorism, but we ask for strict respect for International Law and International Humanitarian Law in the response," she said.

"Spain is also clear and firm in its resounding condemnation of so many civilian deaths in Gaza, some 30,000, including a large percentage of women and children," added Albares, who has demanded "an immediate and permanent ceasefire," the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza as well as the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

The minister has also insisted on the need to continue financing the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), which is why the Government has already disbursed an additional 3.5 million euros and is preparing a new, even larger package.

Albares has taken the opportunity to demand from the deputies and senators that make up the commission their support for the Government in its defense of UNRWA and also for the materialization of the two-state solution.

"Only the establishment of a realistic and viable Palestinian State, including the West Bank and Gaza under a single Palestinian national authority connected by a corridor, with access to the sea, with a port, with its capital in East Jerusalem, can definitively guarantee the security of Israel and peace in the region," the minister said.

"What I ask of you here is that you join that aspiration and help us build a definitive peace," he encouraged the members of the Joint Commission.

SUMAR ASKS TO RECOGNIZE PALESTINE NOW

Thus, Sumar's spokesperson, Agustín Santos, has expressed the "complete support" of the Government partner, although he has pointed out that his party considers that "the time has come to immediately recognize the Palestinian State without waiting for us."

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has opened the door to unilateral recognition of Palestine, in line with what was expressly requested by the Congress of Deputies in 2014, although he has clarified that he would prefer to do so together with other European countries that, as Spain still does not recognize the Palestinian State.