Spain Accuses Israel of "Extermination," Bans Arms & Officials
Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has intensified his condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza, accusing the government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, of engaging in the "extermination of a defenseless people." Sánchez specifically cited the bombing of hospitals and the starvation of children as evidence of this.
Announcing new measures aimed at pressuring Netanyahu to halt military operations, Sánchez affirmed Spain's unwavering support for Israel's right to exist and defend itself but emphasized the imperative to "stop a massacre."
"Protecting your country and your people is one thing," he stated, "but targeting hospitals and causing the death of innocent children through starvation is an entirely different matter."
Sánchez argued that what began as a military response to terrorist attacks in October 2023 had evolved into "a new wave of illegal occupations and an unjustifiable assault against the Palestinian civilian population." He noted that UN experts are increasingly describing the situation as a potential act of genocide. The Prime Minister highlighted the high numbers of deaths, injuries, displacement, and malnutrition as evidence that Israel's actions exceeded self-defense.
Sánchez also criticized the international community for its perceived paralysis, caught between indifference and complicity with Netanyahu's administration.
Among the actions declared "to halt the situation in Gaza and hold those responsible accountable" include legalizing the existing ban on military equipment trade with Israel, forbidding the use of Spanish ports and airspace for transporting weapons or fuel to the Israeli military. Those "directly involved" will be barred from entering Spain, and humanitarian aid to Gaza will be increased.
Acknowledging that these measures alone would be insufficient to end the conflict, Sánchez expressed hope that they would increase pressure on Netanyahu's government, alleviate the suffering of Palestinians, and demonstrate Spain's commitment to being "on the right side of history" during a critical moment.
The Israeli government responded swiftly and sharply, accusing Spain of "hateful rhetoric" and using "anti-Israel sentiment" to divert attention from corruption allegations.
Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, announced that two high-ranking Spanish politicians, Yolanda Díaz, the labor minister and deputy prime minister, and Sira Rego, the youth minister, would be barred from entering Israel due to their criticism.
Sa'ar accused Díaz, the leader of the Sumar alliance, of exploiting Sánchez's political vulnerability to promote her "anti-Israel vision."
Sánchez's comments followed an earlier statement where he described the response to Israel's actions in Gaza as "a failure."
Adding another layer to the complexity, Israel's Supreme Court recently ruled that the government had failed to provide adequate food to Palestinian security prisoners, mandating improved nutrition. This rare decision against government conduct during the conflict highlighted concerns about basic human rights. The court found evidence that prisoners were not receiving sufficient food and ordered the prison service to ensure adequate supply.
