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King Felipe VI of Spain has called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the delivery of humanitarian aid, stressing that there should be no longer silence over the killing and starvation in the enclave. There must be no glossing over the systematic destruction of schools and hospitals, the killing of civilians, and the deliberate infliction of starvation in Gaza, he stressed, addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He described what is unfolding in the Gaza Strip as a matter that shocks human conscience and constitutes a profound disgrace to the international community, while calling upon the Israeli entity to immediately cease all acts of killing. King Felipe further noted that the international community must assume its responsibility to achieve peace through the two-state solution, averring that the recognition of a Palestinian state should help establish peace and regional stability in the region. He expressed his pushback on the rising voices that claim the end of multilateralism and that the UN has become defanged, calling upon all to recall the circumstances surrounding the establishment of the UN in the aftermath of WWII, and the grim chapter humanity endured during that era. In addition, the King underscored the utmost importance of cooperation and multilateralism to confront the current epochal challenges, stressing that the UN has become instrumental, cannot be dispensed with, and that no alternative can be found for it. He expressed his deep concern over the erosion of democracy and the growing departure from the fundamental values that underpin peaceful coexistence among all peoples, affirming his country's unwavering commitment to continue supporting efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in accordance with the principles of international law. The high-level week of the UN General Assembly continues in full swing, with today featuring remarks from additional heads of state and government during the general debate, a high-level meeting on the situation of Palestinian children, the climate summit, a Security Council meeting on artificial intelligence, and other high-stakes events and dialogues.

Spain's King Felipe VI on Tuesday denounced the "unspeakable suffering" of hundreds of thousands of Gazans under Israeli bombardment in the Palestinian territory, in a rare political intervention."The latest episode in this conflict... has degenerated into an unbearable humanitarian crisis, the unspeakable suffering of hundreds of thousands of innocent people and the total devastation of Gaza," the monarch said during a visit to Egypt.Felipe, who rarely speaks out on international issues, noted his trip "is taking place at a turbulent and tragic time for the region".The Spanish government, which recognised the State of Palestine in May 2024, has become one of Israel's fiercest critics in Europe.On Sunday, the final stage of the Vuelta cycling race was cancelled because of pro-Palestinian demonstrations that saw some 100,000 people take to the streets of Madrid, according to local authorities.Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez later expressed his "deep admiration" for the protesters, while also suggesting excluding Israel from sports competitions "as long as the barbarity continues" in Gaza.Israel has not had an ambassador in Madrid since 2024.Last week, Spain recalled its ambassador to Israel amid heated exchanges after Sanchez's government announced measures aimed at stopping "the genocide in Gaza".

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received on Friday a phone call from King Felipe VI of the Kingdom of Spain.During the call, the King of Spain affirmed his strong condemnation of the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar, stressing that it is a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms.For his part, HH the Amir affirmed that the State of Qatar will take all necessary measures to protect its security and maintain its sovereignty in the face of the treacherous Israeli attack.HH the Amir expressed his thanks to the King of Spain for his sincere feelings towards the State of Qatar and its people.

Spain on Monday banned ships and aircraft carrying weapons to Israel from calling at Spanish ports or entering its airspace due to Israel's military offensive in Gaza, measures the Israeli foreign minister denounced as antisemitic.Spain, which recognised a Palestinian state in May 2024 and has been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, responded to Gideon Saar's comments by summoning its ambassador in Tel Aviv back for consultations.On top of the ban on ships and aircraft delivering weapons or military-grade jet fuel to Israel, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government said it would not allow anyone who has participated directly in "genocide" in Gaza to enter Spain.Israel launched its assault on the Gaza Strip in October, 2023, after fighters from Hamas attacked Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages.Spain's Foreign Ministry said that Sanchez's measures were in line with public sentiment in Spain and reflected Madrid's support for peace, human rights and international law.It said Spain was committed to fighting antisemitism, pointing to the granting of Spanish citizenship to 72,000 Sephardic Jews - descendants of those expelled from the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th century.