UPDATE - Spain urges convening of international peace conference on Israel-Palestine conflict

ADDS MORE REMARKS; CHANGES HEADLINE; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Spain's envoy to UN in Geneva on Thursday urged the convening of an international peace conference on the Israel-Palestine conflict "as soon as possible."

Aurora Diaz-Rato Revuelta's remarks came during her address at the Interactive Dialogue on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory under the 55th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

"Spain is in favor of bringing about a two-state solution through an international peace conference which should involve all the parties of the international community, and it should convene as soon as possible," the envoy said.

She also voiced support for the work of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) as some states cut their funding following Israeli claims that some of the organization's staffers were involved in the Oct. 7, 2023 cross-border attack by Palestinian group Hamas.

"We support the work of UNRWA with respect to Palestinian refugees in the region, particularly given the circumstances in Gaza," she said.

The ambassador also reiterated Spain's call for an immediate and permanent cease-fire, support toward a two-state solution, and unconditional release of all hostages.

"We urge Israel to comply with its legal obligations under the international humanitarian law to allow any medical supplies and food and aid operations," she said.

Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 Hamas cross-border incursion, which Tel Aviv says killed nearly 1,200 people.

More than 30,000 Palestinians have since been killed and over 70,000 others injured, besides mass destruction and shortages of necessities.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.