Statement by the Prime Ministers of Ireland, Malta, Slovenia and Spain

We, the Prime Ministers of Ireland, Malta, Slovenia and Spain, met in the margins of the European Council to share views on the situation in Gaza and the Middle East.

We welcome the conclusions adopted by the European Council yesterday.

We are agreed on the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and a rapid, massive and sustained increase of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

We are agreed that the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region is through implementation of a two-state solution, with Israeli and Palestinian States living side-by-side, in peace and security.

We discussed together our readiness to recognise Palestine and said that we would do so when it can make a positive contribution and the circumstances are right.

Leo Varadkar,

Taoiseach

Robert Abela,

Prime Minister of Malta

Robert Golob,

Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia

Pedro Sánchez,

President of the Government of Spain