Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa and Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Friday discussed the latest developments in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need to intensify international efforts to end Israel’s occupation and halt attacks and settler violence.
In a telephone call, the two officials also stressed the importance of securing the release of Palestinian funds withheld by Israeli authorities and advancing plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, highlighting Europe’s key role in the process. They underlined the need to unify Palestinian institutions in Gaza and the West Bank as part of efforts to establish a Palestinian state in line with international resolutions, including last year’s New York Declaration.
The talks also covered coordination between Palestine and Spain, with discussions on strengthening Spain’s political, diplomatic and financial support. Mustafa thanked Spain for its continued backing. Spain officially recognized Palestine as a state in May 2024, alongside Ireland and Norway.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued operations in the West Bank. The Palestinian Prisoners media office said nearly 50 Palestinians were detained on Friday during raids across several areas, including Ramallah and Hebron, following similar arrests a day earlier.
As 2026 begins, a fragile ceasefire in Gaza has largely halted large-scale bombardment, but Palestinians continue to be killed by Israeli fire, particularly near Israeli-controlled areas. The humanitarian situation remains dire, worsened by winter weather and shortages of shelter materials.
On Friday, US actor and producer Angelina Jolie visited the Rafah border crossing on the Egyptian side, meeting Red Crescent officials and Palestinian patients in a nearby hospital, as aid groups renewed calls for increased humanitarian access to Gaza.
In a telephone call, the two officials also stressed the importance of securing the release of Palestinian funds withheld by Israeli authorities and advancing plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, highlighting Europe’s key role in the process. They underlined the need to unify Palestinian institutions in Gaza and the West Bank as part of efforts to establish a Palestinian state in line with international resolutions, including last year’s New York Declaration.
The talks also covered coordination between Palestine and Spain, with discussions on strengthening Spain’s political, diplomatic and financial support. Mustafa thanked Spain for its continued backing. Spain officially recognized Palestine as a state in May 2024, alongside Ireland and Norway.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued operations in the West Bank. The Palestinian Prisoners media office said nearly 50 Palestinians were detained on Friday during raids across several areas, including Ramallah and Hebron, following similar arrests a day earlier.
As 2026 begins, a fragile ceasefire in Gaza has largely halted large-scale bombardment, but Palestinians continue to be killed by Israeli fire, particularly near Israeli-controlled areas. The humanitarian situation remains dire, worsened by winter weather and shortages of shelter materials.
On Friday, US actor and producer Angelina Jolie visited the Rafah border crossing on the Egyptian side, meeting Red Crescent officials and Palestinian patients in a nearby hospital, as aid groups renewed calls for increased humanitarian access to Gaza.
