Europe and the West’s contradictory approach to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza risks damaging their global reputation, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has cautioned. He characterized the international reaction to Israel’s military actions in Palestinian territory as one of the most troubling moments in 21st-century diplomacy.
In an interview with *CuriosityNews* ahead of discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Wednesday, Sánchez also argued that the US, during Donald Trump’s presidency, sought to dismantle the rules-based international system established after the Second World War.
The Spanish leader also emphasized the positive aspects of migration and criticized mainstream conservative parties for abandoning unified action on climate policy by adopting strategies from populist opponents.
Sánchez—the first high-profile European official to accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza—expressed satisfaction that other nations were joining Spain in recognizing Palestinian statehood. However, he acknowledged that Europe’s collective response had been inadequate.
“It’s a failure, no question,” he said. “Within the EU, divisions persist over how to engage with Israel. But in my view, this inconsistency weakens our credibility, especially regarding other crises, like the situation in Ukraine.”
“The causes of these conflicts differ, but the world is watching Europe and the West, asking why there are different standards for Ukraine and Gaza.”
Speaking as he seeks to regain influence internationally while confronting corruption scandals that have strained his government and prompted calls for early elections, Sánchez called for stronger European measures, including financial sanctions against Israel.
“What’s happening in Gaza may rank among the darkest chapters in modern international affairs,” he said. “Spain has been outspoken within the EU and globally, urging a halt to the bloc’s strategic ties with Israel.”
Despite disputes with Donald Trump over Spain’s refusal to meet the ex-US president’s defense spending demands, Sánchez affirmed Spain’s reliability as a NATO ally and commitment to maintaining strong US relations, regardless of administration changes.
“We approach US ties pragmatically,” he said. “Still, we differ on addressing global challenges. Abandoning the Paris Agreement and cutting aid programs was a grave misstep.”
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