Madrid: Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa accused Israel of using famine as a weapon of war in Gaza, calling it part of a broader campaign of genocide against the Palestinian people. Speaking at the opening session of the expanded ministerial meeting of the Madrid Group on the Palestinian issue, held in the Spanish capital, Mustafa urged the international community to act urgently following the Palestinian government's declaration of Gaza as a famine-stricken area.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Mustafa highlighted the deliberate deprivation of food and aid, continuous bombardment, and destruction of all means of life carried out by Israel as clear and ongoing war crimes. He warned that the situation in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, remains dire, citing rampant colony expansion, colonist violence, home demolitions, and forced displacement. Mustafa emphasized the necessity for these actions to end immediately and unconditionally.
The prime minister expressed hope that the recent preparatory meeting for a high-level international conference in New York would pave the way for concrete steps toward achieving a two-state solution and establishing a Palestinian state. He called for robust political, legal, and financial support for the Palestinian government to uphold the rights of its people and preserve the two-state solution.
On the sidelines of the expanded ministerial meeting, Mustafa held a series of high-level diplomatic meetings aimed at mobilizing international political and humanitarian support, especially given the worsening situation in Gaza. He met with Spanish Foreign Minister Jos© Manuel Albares, thanking Spain for hosting the meeting and its steadfast support for the Palestinian cause.
Mustafa also engaged in discussions with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, briefing him on the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Minister Eide expressed Norway's rejection of the Israeli-imposed mechanisms for distributing aid in Gaza, reaffirming Norway's support for the upcoming Middle East Peace Conference and its commitment to supporting the Palestinian government.
In a meeting with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, Mustafa stressed the importance of Portugal joining the Madrid Group and playing an active role in supporting international efforts related to the Palestinian cause. He emphasized backing for UNRWA and the Gaza reconstruction plan adopted by the Arab League.
The Prime Minister also held discussions with UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, stressing the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the entry of humanitarian aid. Additionally, Mustafa met with Malta's Minister for Social and Affordable Housing, Roderick Galdes, expressing gratitude for Malta's stance toward recognizing the State of Palestine during the upcoming UN-hosted international peace conference.
