The Madrid+ Group convened in Madrid to escalate diplomatic efforts urging Israel to end its military offensive in Gaza and to promote wider recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. Backed by the European Union, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the group has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire and endorsed a two-state solution.

The meeting also seeks to build political momentum ahead of the High-Level Conference planned for June in New York, supported by the United Nations.

This marks the fifth official gathering of the Madrid+ Group, which brings together ministers from the Arab-Islamic Contact Group on Gaza and several European countries. The previous meeting in September 2024 saw participation from Spain, Norway, Slovenia, and Ireland, alongside Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain.

Al Jazeera.