Spain’s Prime Minister Condemns Israel’s Actions in Gaza
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has intensified his criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, accusing Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of "exterminating a defenseless population" by targeting hospitals and "starving innocent children."
Speaking on Monday to outline steps aimed at pressuring Israel to halt its offensive, Sánchez stressed that while Spain recognizes Israel’s right to exist and self-defense, it must act to "prevent a massacre."
"Defending your country is one matter, but bombing hospitals and starving children is something else entirely," he stated.
"What began as a response to the October 2023 terrorist attacks has now resulted in further unlawful occupations and an unjustifiable assault on Palestinian civilians—a situation many experts, including the UN special rapporteur, have labeled genocide."
Sánchez cited the high casualties, displacement, and malnutrition rates in Gaza. "This is not self-defense, nor is it conventional warfare," he said. "It is the destruction of a defenseless people in violation of international humanitarian law."
He also criticized the international community, accusing major powers of being "paralyzed between indifference toward an endless conflict and complicity with Netanyahu’s government."
Among the measures announced were a formal ban on military transactions with Israel, restrictions on the use of Spanish ports and airspace for transporting weapons or fuel to the Israeli military, and a refusal to admit individuals "directly involved in the genocide" into Spain. Humanitarian aid to Gaza will also increase.
"These measures alone will not end the invasion or the war crimes," Sánchez acknowledged. "But we hope they contribute to pressuring Netanyahu’s government, easing Palestinian suffering, and ensuring Spain stands on the right side of history during one of this century’s darkest chapters."
Israel’s government swiftly condemned Sánchez’s remarks, accusing Spain of "inflammatory rhetoric" and using "persistent anti-Israel hostility" to divert attention from domestic political issues.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, announced travel bans on two senior Spanish officials—Labor Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz and Youth Minister Sira Rego—due to their criticism of Israel’s actions.
Read next
"Indonesia school collapse: rescue efforts conclude with 67 fatalities"
Search Ends After Indonesian School Collapse Leaves Dozens Dead
Indonesian rescuers concluded their search on Tuesday for victims trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed Islamic boarding school in East Java, after recovering more than 60 bodies, authorities confirmed.
The tragedy in the town of Sidoarjo struck last week when
"French PM makes last-ditch effort to save government as crisis deepens – Europe updates"
France's Political Standoff Continues as Prime Minister Seeks Cross-Party Support
France remains at a political stalemate as the outgoing prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, makes a final attempt to gather support from rival parties for a new government.
President Emmanuel Macron assigned Lecornu, 39, to form a government in
"Macron calls emergency talks with parties to swiftly pick new PM"
Emmanuel Macron has called upon the leaders of several political factions to his office, urging them to demonstrate "collective responsibility" as he seeks to appoint a new prime minister amid growing political turmoil.
All parties except Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, the largest opposition group, and