In brief
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced stricter measures against Israel's military actions. He emphasized the need for international pressure on Israel, introducing an arms embargo, halting fuel shipments, and increasing humanitarian aid. This heightened criticism has led Israel to ban two Spanish ministers from the country.
MADRID (AP) — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday ramped up his criticism of Israel's actions during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, prompting Israel to ban two left-wing Spanish ministers from entering the country.
While announcing a series of government measures aimed at pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, Sánchez stated, “This is not self-defense, it’s not even an attack — it’s the extermination of a defenseless people.” He condemned the situation in Gaza as a violation of humanitarian laws, expressing concern over the international community's inability to intervene.
Spain has decided to formalize an arms embargo, which it claims has been in effect since October 2023, alongside a ban on ships transporting fuel for Israeli armed forces from accessing Spanish ports. Sánchez committed to increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, planning for a budget of 150 million euros ($176 million) in 2026.
These proposed measures must now receive parliamentary approval. Other steps include augmenting funds for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and implementing an embargo on products from Israeli settlements in occupied territories. Additionally, Sánchez declared that anyone involved in actions he labeled as 'genocide' in Gaza would be barred from entering Spain.
“We know that all these measures will not be enough to stop the invasion or the war crimes, but we hope they serve to pressure Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government to alleviate some of the Palestinian suffering,” Sánchez commented.
In reaction to Sánchez's remarks, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Sánchez of trying to distract from corruption scandals plaguing his party, labeling the Spanish actions as “antisemitic.”
Saar revealed that the Spanish ministers, Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz and Youth Minister Sira Rego, were banned due to their characterizations of Israel and their advocacy for sanctions. Since the war's onset following Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, Spain has consistently criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in a reported death toll exceeding 64,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza Health Ministry figures.
Sánchez's government has a history of supporting Palestinian statehood initiatives, further evidenced by its participation in efforts for legal action against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“If they wish to suspend their defense ties with us, who will suffer the consequences? We don’t need Spain to safeguard Israel,” Saar remarked, downplaying the potential impacts of Spain's measures.
