Spanish PM condemns Israel’s actions as “extermination,” announces new sanctions
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has intensified his government’s criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, introducing new measures to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
According to the Mailonline, this has led to Israel banning two left-wing Spanish ministers from entering the country.
Speaking at a Madrid press conference, Sánchez stated that Spain would not stay silent about the devastating impact on Gaza’s civilians.
“This is not self-defense, it’s not even an attack, it’s the extermination of a defenseless people,” Sánchez declared. “It is a violation of all humanitarian laws, and despite that, the international community is failing to stop this tragedy.”
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The prime minister announced several initiatives, including a new law to formalize an arms embargo against Israel that has been informally in place since October 2023.
Spain will also block ships carrying fuel for the Israeli military from its ports and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, with a goal of €150 million ($176 million) for 2026.
Other measures include banning goods from Israeli settlements and boosting financial support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
In response, Israel announced travel bans on two Spanish ministers known for their strong criticism of the war. This move reflects Israel’s strategy to push back against European governments that have become more outspoken about the humanitarian crisis.
The conflict between Madrid and Jerusalem highlights growing divisions within the European Union regarding the war. While many EU states have condemned the high civilian death toll, few have taken steps as concrete as Spain.
For Sánchez, these measures are a moral stance and a test of his political strength domestically, where public opinion on Spain’s role in the Middle East is polarized.
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