The eighth Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean is poised to unfold in Barcelona, Spain, offering a platform for crucial diplomatic discussions on the evolving situation in Gaza. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, en route to Barcelona, is set to engage in talks that delve into the outcomes of the recent Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh.
The Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, led by Shoukry and his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares, will convene to discuss the pressing issues in Israel, Palestine, Gaza, and the broader region. Against the backdrop of the Gaza crisis, the ministers aim to explore avenues for immediate ceasefire initiatives and strategies to end Israeli violations of international law.
In a subsequent move, Shoukry is scheduled to join other committee members in New York for a briefing session at the UN Security Council. The session will scrutinize Arab and Islamic perspectives, emphasizing the call for an end to the war and urging the Security Council to actively promote a comprehensive ceasefire.
The committee’s agenda is expected to underscore the paramount importance of addressing key Palestinian issues during its meetings in New York. The Chinese presidency of the Security Council has mandated a ministerial-level session to address developments in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgency of reviving the peace process.
Slovenian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Tanja Fajon has commended Egypt’s efforts to secure a humanitarian truce and facilitate the release of Palestinian hostages from Israeli prisons. Following discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Foreign Minister Shoukry, Fajon highlighted the need for an immediate permanent ceasefire and tangible steps toward a two-state solution.
Expressing concern over the forced displacement of Palestinians, Fajon emphasized the imperative to uphold their rights and create favorable conditions for dignified living. Within the European Union, she discussed plans for development aid and financial support to the Palestinians, emphasizing Slovenia’s consideration of providing psychological support to Palestinian children and rehabilitation efforts when conditions improve. The forthcoming discussions in Barcelona and New York encapsulate a collective pursuit of diplomatic solutions amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
