The conference witnessed sharp political stances regarding the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, with explicit demands to halt violations and grant the State of Palestine full membership in the United Nations.
In his speech, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that a two-state solution "is impossible when one of the states is the victim of genocide," referring to the suffering of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
He stressed that what is happening cannot be justified, and no one can deny its occurrence, adding: "No one can claim that they do not see what is happening, or are ignorant of it."
Sanchez emphasized that the conference represents a "moral rebellion against indifference" and a collective commitment to stop the "brutality" and pave the way for peace. He added, "History will judge us harshly, and it will be harsh on those who remain silent or turn a blind eye to these massacres. Spain, however, has decided not to remain silent, but to act."
He emphasized that Israel is committing murders against women, children, and the elderly, calling for an immediate end to the massacre and demanding that the State of Palestine be granted full membership in the United Nations, which would guarantee it equal rights with other member states and "the most basic human rights."
He also pledged that Spain would continue to take political steps against the Israeli government until the "genocide" stops, expressing his confidence that hope remains for the people of Gaza and Palestine.
For his part, German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul affirmed his country's full support for the two-state solution as "the only solution consistent with international law." He stated that the establishment of an independent, democratic, and viable Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel remains the only real alternative.
He pointed out that Germany is committed to three basic principles: not recognizing any changes to the 1967 borders without the consent of both parties, considering Israeli settlements illegal and a serious obstacle to peace, and respecting the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on July 19, 2024.
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In its opinion, the court affirmed that Israel pursues policies of occupation and oppression against the Palestinians, and demanded an end to its presence in the Palestinian territories and compensation for those affected. Nevertheless, Vadephul stressed that Germany "will remain firmly committed to Israel's security."
Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said, "The catastrophe in Gaza is man-made," noting that the horrific images of starving children are not a natural consequence, but rather the result of deliberate decisions. She asserted that the situation in the Strip amounts to genocide under international law.
Fagon criticized Israel's continued closure of the crossings since March 2, which has led to a famine in Gaza despite the backlog of aid trucks at the border and the obstruction of aid entry.
She stressed that "an agreed-upon and sustainable two-state solution is the only way to achieve peace," emphasizing the need for a "legitimate and effective Palestinian administration" with international support and internal reforms. She added, "When force replaces law, security is not achieved, but rather instability and extremism that span generations."
Japanese Foreign Minister Iwai Takeshi called for an immediate halt to all unilateral measures taken by Israel against the Palestinians, including settlement expansion and annexation in the West Bank, describing these practices as "completely unacceptable."
Takeshi pointed out that the steps taken by Israel since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, including home demolitions, population displacement, and accelerated settlement expansion, contravene international law and undermine the prospects for peace.
Meanwhile, the Japanese minister called on Hamas to release prisoners and disarm, affirming Tokyo's continued support for the two-state solution. He also called on the international community to take urgent action to address the financial crisis facing the Palestinian Authority, noting that the situation in Gaza has reached "a very dangerous and worrying stage."
With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, leaving 65,344 martyrs and 166,795 wounded, most of them children and women, and a famine that has claimed the lives of 442 Palestinians, including 147 children.
