Madrid, Spain – January 13, 2026 – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis today reiterated their strong backing for the complete execution of the US-mediated Gaza peace framework, emphasizing the need for swift advancement to its subsequent phase. The declaration came during a bilateral meeting in Madrid, where the leaders addressed ongoing Middle East developments, the evolving crisis in Venezuela following recent US intervention, and opportunities to deepen economic cooperation between their nations.
At a joint press conference following their discussions, Mitsotakis highlighted the shared position of Spain and Greece on the peace initiative. “We support the full implementation of the peace plan. We look forward to a rapid transition to the second phase and at the same time we consider the disarmament of Hamas as a necessary condition for long-term security,” he stated. Sánchez echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of sustained international commitment to achieving lasting stability in Gaza.
The US-backed 20-point Gaza peace plan, unveiled by President Donald Trump on September 29, 2025, at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aims to end more than two years of conflict that began with Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The comprehensive proposal includes an immediate ceasefire, full hostage release and prisoner exchanges, phased Israeli military withdrawal, demilitarization of Gaza, deployment of an international stabilization force, transitional technocratic governance under international oversight, large-scale reconstruction, and a conditional pathway toward Palestinian self-determination.
Phase One of the plan took effect on October 10, 2025, following formal agreement by Israel and Hamas on October 9. This initial stage facilitated the release of all living Israeli hostages held in Gaza, the return of remains of deceased hostages (though some challenges persist), a significant prisoner exchange involving approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees, partial redeployment of Israeli forces to designated lines (retaining control over roughly 53-58% of Gaza), and a surge in humanitarian aid deliveries coordinated by the United Nations and other partners. Despite the truce, violations have been reported, with Gaza's Health Ministry documenting at least several hundred Palestinian deaths and injuries since the ceasefire began, primarily attributed to Israeli operations targeting alleged militants or in response to perceived breaches.
The overall conflict has resulted in a staggering human cost, with Gaza authorities reporting more than 70,000 Palestinian fatalities—predominantly civilians, including many women and children—and over 170,000 injuries since October 2023. The war has devastated Gaza's infrastructure, displacing nearly 90% of its population at peak times and rendering much of the healthcare system inoperable. International organizations have described famine-like conditions in parts of the territory prior to the ceasefire, with ongoing reconstruction needs estimated in the tens of billions of dollars.
The leaders' endorsement aligns with broader European support for the Trump initiative, which received UN Security Council backing through Resolution 2803 on November 17, 2025. Efforts continue to appoint figures to oversee key elements, such as the proposed "Board of Peace" for reconstruction and governance reforms. Mitsotakis noted Greece's readiness to contribute to regional stability and Middle East peace efforts.
The Madrid talks also covered the rapidly unfolding situation in Venezuela, where US forces executed a high-profile operation on January 3, 2026, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve. US special operations teams captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in Caracas, transporting them to the United States to face long-standing charges related to narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. President Trump announced the action and stated that the US would oversee Venezuela's governance and oil sector during a transitional period to ensure stability, infrastructure rebuilding, and a "safe, proper and judicious" handover to legitimate authorities. Interim leadership under Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has cooperated with US demands, including the release of political prisoners and pledges regarding oil assets.
Mitsotakis stressed the priority of de-escalation in Venezuela and a smooth transition to a government with democratic legitimacy, calling for responsible international action grounded in respect for human rights and international law. The discussions reflected concerns over regional stability in Latin America amid the dramatic US intervention.
Finally, the prime ministers focused on bilateral economic relations, with Sánchez praising Greece's robust recovery from its 2009-2019 financial crisis and expressing Spain's eagerness to expand trade, investment, and cooperation in sectors such as energy, tourism, and technology. Mitsotakis highlighted the growing leadership of southern European economies within the EU and mutual benefits from enhanced ties.
The meeting, the first official visit by a Greek prime minister to Spain in over a decade, underscores strengthening Southern European coordination on global challenges while advancing shared economic interests.
