Madrid, 5 September 2025. Beyond our previous calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, Members of Club de Madrid forcefully call for an immediate stop to what has escalated into outright genocide in Gaza, marked by mass killings, starvation, and sheer destruction on an unprecedented scale. The entry of tanks into Gaza City and the relentless bombardment of civilian neighbourhoods will neither bring peace, nor guarantee the security of the Israeli people. We demand the immediate cessation of these operations, which flagrantly violate international law and humanity itself.
The humanitarian catastrophe has reached intolerable proportions: more than 63,000 lives have been lost; deaths from starvation are accelerating; food, water, and medical supplies are deliberately being obstructed; and entire communities are being displaced. These acts correspond to the gravest crimes under international law. Rapid, safe, and sustained humanitarian access through United Nations–managed corridors, guaranteeing predictable and sustained delivery of essentials—including food, water, fuel, medicines, and medical supplies—must be established and guaranteed, in full compliance with International Humanitarian Law.
The International Court of Justice, acting under the Genocide Convention, has found that Israel’s conduct presents a plausible risk of genocide and ordered provisional measures. The ongoing escalation of violence and destruction and the deliberate deprivation of aid only deepen this risk. Israel is legally bound to comply with the ICJ’s orders and signatory States have a duty to ensure compliance to not be complicit in genocide.
We unequivocally condemn the targeted killing of journalists and media workers. The killing of five journalists in a single attack on Nasser Hospital on 26 August exemplifies the systematic silencing of those who bear witness to atrocity, a direct assault on truth and accountability.
We call on the international community—especially governments whose silence enables this genocide—to take an unambiguous stand: to enforce international law, demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and open a credible political process towards peace. They must also protect the rights of their own citizens to protest peacefully in solidarity without fear of repression.
The situation of the Palestinian people has historically been aggravated by their lack of full representation at the United Nations, where Palestine remains only a non-member, observer State. This absence of full membership leaves them without equal participation in decisions that directly affect their future. Yet momentum for recognition is shifting. 147 UN Member States have already recognised the Palestinian State, with France and the UK just announcing their intention to do so during this year’s UN General Assembly in a few weeks, signalling an important turning point in international consensus.
We call on Hamas to release all civilian Israeli hostages without delay, recognising that there will be no viable future for the Palestinian people in Gaza if they themselves stand in the way of a political resolution.
Club de Madrid reaffirms its commitment to peace, security, and international law, as expressed in previous statements (18/06/2025 & 15/04/2024), and stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and with the families of Israeli civilians still held hostage. Only through respect for human life, the rule of law, and determined international action can peace and security be achieved for all peoples of the region.
