The moment has arrived, according to Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares this Monday, as he outlined a path toward ending the Gaza conflict by advancing the establishment of a Palestinian state. He emphasized that progress on this front cannot wait any longer and that international consensus now supports a two-state framework as a viable horizon for the region. In his remarks to reporters, Albares asserted that Spain will push for the concrete implementation of this approach, aligning with the broad stance shared by the international community and the European Union. The call is for action to translate words into a credible, practical plan that moves beyond rhetoric toward tangible steps toward peace .
On arrival for a high-stakes EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, Albares reiterated the urgency of discussing the realization of two states—Israel and Palestine—as a lasting solution. He urged a framework in which the Palestinian state is both realistic and viable, with security and governance arrangements that preserve territorial continuity and practical connectivity. One key proposal involves securing the West Bank through a corridor that enables uninterrupted links between Palestinian territories, supporting governance by a unified Palestinian authority. This vision underscores the importance of a capital for the Palestinian state in East Jerusalem, while stressing that final status arrangements must be negotiated through negotiations rather than unilateral moves .
Albares stressed that achieving a durable peace requires more than symbolic talks. He argued that a peace process with a clear horizon offers the Palestinian people genuine hope and a pathway to end the current bloodshed between Israel and Hamas. The aim is to prevent future escalations by grounding negotiations in a credible timeline and concrete milestones, so that the region has a defined path toward stability instead of recurring cycles of violence .
In parallel, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell aligned with the call for moving beyond general peace discussions. He urged transforming conversations about peace into a concrete, outcome-focused solution process. The emphasis is on translating rhetoric into measurable actions, with a coalition of European and regional partners supporting the path to a Palestinian state. Borrell outlined that ministers will consider a comprehensive peace plan today, engaging not only Israel and Palestine but also Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the Arab League secretary general to build broad regional alignment .
The meetings point to a broader strategy, not merely about declaring support for two states but about crafting a viable framework that can be monitored, funded, and sustained. Officials indicate that the plan will require robust security guarantees, governance mechanisms, and economic foundations that enable the Palestinian authorities to govern effectively while maintaining regional stability. The envisioned corridor and capital arrangements are designed to preserve the integrity of borders and ensure that any two-state solution can be resilient to external pressures and internal challenges. The discourse also contemplates the role of neighboring states and international institutions in supervising progress, delivering aid, and maintaining accountability for agreed milestones .
Analysts note that a successful push toward a two-state outcome depends on a credible timetable, transparent oversight, and the alignment of political will across Western and regional actors. The discussions reflect a shared recognition that peace, if it is to endure, must address core concerns about security, sovereignty, and the daily lives of civilians. While the path forward may be complex, the prevailing sentiment among EU officials is that the time for indefinite negotiations has passed, and a concrete blueprint must emerge from the current round of diplomacy. The pursuit of a peaceful horizon for the Palestinian people remains central to this approach, with the aim of reducing violence and stabilizing the region over the long term .