Top Spanish, U.S. diplomats discuss situation in Gaza, Middle East

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Monday discussed the situation in Gaza and Middle East with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"We join our efforts to free hostages, prevent conflict escalation, and protect civilians, guaranteeing the delivery of humanitarian aid," Albares wrote on X.

"Spain works for a definitive peace with a two-state solution," he stressed.

Since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict escalated earlier this month, Spanish leaders have been openly critical of aspects of the Israeli response, including the targeting of civilians and the blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Israel launched a bombardment campaign on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas into Israeli border towns on Oct. 7, putting the territory's 2.3 million residents under total siege and announcing a blockade on food, fuel and medical supplies.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an "immediate humanitarian cease-fire" to ease the "epic human suffering."

Nearly 6,500 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 5,087 Palestinians and more than 1,400 Israelis, according to official figures.