Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas called for a de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East during a meeting in Madrid. Sanchez emphasized the need for restraint, de-escalation, and peaceful coexistence between countries. The meeting took place as Lebanon reported that 37 people had been killed by booby-trapped hand-held devices. The explosions in Lebanon have increased tensions in the region, and Lebanon's Prime Minister called on the United Nations to intervene. Sanchez has positioned himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause and has been critical of Israel's conduct in its campaign against Hamas.