Spain rejects joining Trump's 'coalition': Palestinians must determine their own future

JAKARTA - The Spanish government has stated that it will not participate in the Peace Council established at the initiative of the President of the United States (US) Donald Trump.

"Regarding the Peace Council for the Gaza Strip, the prime minister has announced the decision of the Spanish authorities not to participate in this initiative," said a statement from the office of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, reported by Sputnik.

The decision, according to the statement, is based on Spain's consistent stance in support of a multipolar world order, international law, and the United Nations (UN) system.

Sanchez stressed that the Palestinian people themselves must determine the future of Palestine. Meanwhile, the issue of living in peace and security with Israel must be resolved through dialogue between the parties, said the prime minister's office.

The Spanish Prime Minister also assessed that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to achieving a long-term settlement in the Gaza Strip.

On January 16, US President Donald Trump announced the formation of a Peace Council that included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and US Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel.

The US president also invited leaders of a number of countries, including Russia and Belarus, to join the council.

On Thursday (22/1), the charter of the Peace Council officially came into force.