<h6><strong>Eduardo González</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The Spanish Government has "welcomed" the agreement reached this Thursday in Sharm al-Sheikh (Egypt) between Israel and Hamas, "thanks to the work of the mediators: the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey," for the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza based on the US plan presented by US President Donald Trump.</strong></h4> "After two years of conflict, this agreement marks progress toward an end to the violence, the release of the hostages, and the massive entry of humanitarian aid for the Gazan population," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared in a statement. "The Spanish Government urges the parties to act responsibly and respect the terms of the agreement," it continued. “The Government of Spain reiterates its commitment to supporting the implementation of the agreement reached and will redouble its efforts within this new framework to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East, based on the effective implementation of the two-state solution, and will continue working with its partners for regional stability,” he concluded. For his part, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed “the news coming from the Middle East” and expressed his hope that “this will be the beginning of a just and lasting peace.” “Now it is time to engage in dialogue, assist the civilian population, and look to the future, with hope, but also with justice and memory, so that the atrocities experienced are never repeated again,” he wrote on the social network X. Speaking to Spanish National Radio, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that this agreement "opens the way for hope," but it is necessary to "expand that hope and move toward a peace that is not just temporary, but definitive," for which the two-state solution must be "established." "Spain is working toward that and much more," and therefore will "continue denouncing the same things and maintaining the same position," he warned. He also asserted that "Spain has been key" in this process, as the country that "has led this new wave of recognition of the Palestinian state." ….. For his part, King Felipe VI affirmed that the agreement between Israel and Hamas is, “without a doubt, a moment of hope for Palestine and for Israel” and expressed his hope, in his closing speech at the Open Government Partnership Global Summit, held in Vitoria, that “it will indeed be a window of hope and that the first consequences announced will truly mean the release of the Israeli hostages, their return home, and the guaranteed entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.” Likewise, Yolanda Díaz, the second vice president of the Spanish government and leader of Sumar (a minority partner in Pedro Sánchez's coalition government), declared during a breakfast briefing with the Europa Press agency that "the ceasefire agreement reached yesterday in Gaza is a first step toward ending the greatest atrocity of the 21st century." "Now it's time for a peace process that must be real, fair, and in which the Palestinian people decide their future," she added. For his part, the leader of the People's Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo, also welcomed this agreement. "The peace plan seems to be beginning to bear fruit. The ceasefire and the release of hostages and prisoners are moving forward. The plan must be fully implemented. The agreement and peace are possible," he wrote on the social network X. The secretary general of Podemos, Ione Belarra, wrote on social media that “the ceasefire in Gaza will only be permanent if social and political mobilization maintains the pressure.” “Israel has already breached the agreement before and has attempted to continue its colonial plan of extermination. The genocide will only end with justice and a free and democratic Palestine,” she added. <h5><strong>The agreement</strong></h5> The Government of Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) reached an agreement this Thursday for the implementation of the first phase of the plan for the future of the Gaza Strip proposed by Donald Trump, which provides for the end of the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. According to the US president's statement on the Truth Social network, thanks to this agreement, "all hostages will be released very soon and Israel will withdraw its troops to an agreed-upon line as a first step toward a solid, lasting, and eternal peace." "All parties will be treated fairly," he added. <h5><strong>European Union</strong></h5> For her part, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, declared this Thursday that the EU "welcomes the announcement" and highlighted the diplomatic efforts of the international actors involved in the mediation and praised "the efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey to achieve this agreement." Following the news, Von der Leyen insisted on the need for all parties to "fully comply with the terms of the agreement" and that "all hostages must be safely released" and that "a permanent ceasefire must be established." The President of the European Commission also underscored the European Union's commitment to continue supporting "the rapid and safe delivery of humanitarian aid" to Gaza. Furthermore, she stated that, when the time is right, the EU will be ready to “contribute to the recovery and reconstruction of the region.” Von der Leyen noted that the current situation represents a “unique opportunity to chart a credible political path towards lasting peace and security,” adding that this path must be “firmly anchored in the two-state solution.” For her part, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, also welcomed the progress made in Egypt, highlighting that after “733 long nights,” an agreement was finally reached that will allow for the release of the remaining hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. Metsola praised the efforts of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey to reach this agreement and emphasized that it is now crucial that it be respected and implemented. The President of the Parliament also expressed that this agreement represents “a crucial moment for peace and renewal in the Middle East.” “This gives hope to all those in Gaza seeking a peaceful future and to the families of the hostages still languishing in the Gaza Strip.” Hamas tunnels," Metsola stressed. <h5><strong>FCJE</strong></h5> In a statement, the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (FCJE) welcomed the initial agreement between the Israeli and Gazan delegations that will allow for the release of the 48 hostages held for two years in the Gaza tunnels, as well as the end of the war and the restoration of peace. "The FCJE welcomes with hope this historic breakthrough, which represents a decisive step toward ending the suffering of Israelis and Gazans," the statement continues. "We express our deep solidarity with the families of the hostages and with all the victims of the conflict, and we trust that this agreement marks the beginning of a new era of understanding and mutual respect," it adds. "The FCJE reaffirms its commitment to peace, freedom, and coexistence, values that must guide all peoples toward a better future," it concludes.
