Spanish foreign minister calls for immediate cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon

By Senhan Bolelli

MADRID (AA) - Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Friday issued a strong call for an immediate cease-fire in the Middle East, warning that the region is on the verge of a full-scale war.

Speaking before the parliament's Foreign Relations Committee, Albares stressed that de-escalation in Gaza and Lebanon is critical to preventing further conflict.

"The war must end now," Albares said, urging all parties to halt hostilities.

"An immediate cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon is essential. Israel's attacks on Lebanon have escalated tensions dangerously, bringing us to the brink of a full-scale regional war."

Albares highlighted that Israel's operations in Lebanon, a sovereign nation, underscore the need for compliance with international humanitarian law.

He pointed to the alarming rise in casualties across the region, particularly in the West Bank and Lebanon.

"In the West Bank, we are witnessing the highest death rate in 20 years, and in Lebanon, the highest in 30 years. All parties must respect civilian lives and adhere to the basic principles of humanity," he added.

The minister emphasized that preventing a broader regional conflict is the world's most urgent priority.

He called on the international community to work collectively towards a truce and condemned acts of violence from all sides, including Israel, Hamas, Iran, and other actors involved in the conflict.

In a show of humanitarian support, Albares also announced that Spain had sent 1.5 tons of medicines and emergency medical supplies to Lebanon, reflecting Spain's commitment to aiding civilians affected by the ongoing violence.

Israel has launched massive airstrikes since Sept. 23 on what it calls Hezbollah targets across Lebanon that have killed so far more than 1,100 victims and displaced tens of thousands of others.

The aerial campaign, now aided by a ground invasion, was an escalation in a year-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah since the start of Tel Aviv’s brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 41,800 victims, mostly women and children.