European diplomacy chief Josep Borrell has voiced cautious optimism about the possibility of Spain hosting an international peace conference aimed at easing the deteriorating Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The goal, as conveyed through European Press channels, is to convene the gathering at the earliest feasible moment to mobilize a broad, multilateral effort toward de-escalation and a pathway to durable settlement.
In remarks reviewed by observers, Borrell stressed that the present crisis has compelled the international community to reaffirm support for a two-state framework as the basis for lasting peace in the region. The reference to a two-state solution underscores a long-standing EU stance that envisions secure and recognised states living side by side. The report notes that, three decades after the Oslo accords, tangible progress toward that vision remains elusive, highlighting how historical commitments have yet to translate into measurable changes on the ground.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez proposed hosting a peace summit on October 26, signaling Madrid’s readiness to facilitate dialogue. Borrell acknowledged Spain’s openness to the initiative, pointing to Spain’s historical role in fostering dialogue after hosting a landmark 1991 meeting between Israeli and Palestinian representatives. That precedent provides a symbolic and practical backdrop for discussions that aim to rebuild trust, reduce violence, and create conditions conducive to negotiations among the parties involved.
Meanwhile, events on the ground intensified as Hamas launched a large-scale rocket campaign into Israeli territory and declared the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. The ensuing violence saw thousands of militants crossing into Israeli areas, seizing equipment, and taking a substantial number of hostages. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was at war and would pursue all necessary measures to defend its citizens and security interests.
The Israeli defense operation, named Iron Swords, aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure and leadership networks. The Israeli Air Force conducted extensive strikes against targets across the Gaza Strip, while the National Security Council advised cutting off essential supplies to the region, including water, food, electricity, transport, and fuel, to pressure militant capabilities and protect civilian populations. On October 13, Israel informed the United Nations that a large-scale evacuation of Palestinians to the southern Gaza Strip would proceed ahead of any possible ground incursions, signaling a concerted effort to minimize casualties while pursuing strategic objectives.
Within the European Union, discussions have included clear reservations about the participation of Hamas in any future conference addressing Middle East tensions. EU officials have emphasized the need for accountability and a credible pathway to peace that excludes groups deemed responsible for acts of terror. The overarching aim remains to create a diplomatic framework that can gather diverse voices, reduce hostility, and lay groundwork for negotiations that could eventually lead to an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, with mutual recognition and security guarantees for both peoples.