Overview
- Mahmoud Abbas was received by King Felipe VI at the Zarzuela and later met Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at La Moncloa in his second visit since Spain recognized Palestine in May 2024.
- Sánchez reaffirmed political and financial backing for the Palestinian Authority, pledged to support Gaza's reconstruction, and said the ceasefire must be "real, not cardboard."
- The government pointed to a recent nine‑measure package that boosts Spanish personnel in the EU Rafah mission and funds new agriculture, food security and medical projects.
- Abbas sought broader European support, called for implementing the U.S. peace plan he cited, urged release of Palestinian tax revenues, and condemned settler attacks in the West Bank.
- Humanitarian needs in Gaza remain acute with alleged ceasefire breaches, high food insecurity, shortages of essential medicines and flood risks from Storm Byron, according to U.N. and local reports.