Madrid : Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday intensified his criticism of Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, announcing a series of measures aimed at holding Tel Aviv accountable for what he called the “extermination of a defenceless people” , reported the CNN.
Speaking at a press conference, Sánchez accused Israel of committing violations of humanitarian law in its military offensive against Gaza. “This is not self-defence, it’s not even an attack — it’s the extermination of a defenceless people. Despite this, the international community is failing to stop the tragedy,” he said.
As part of the new measures, Spain will formalise an arms embargo on Israel, ban ships carrying fuel for the Israeli military from docking at Spanish ports, and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2026 to €150 million (USD 176 million). The government also pledged to boost support for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), impose restrictions on goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements, and deny entry to individuals directly involved in what Sánchez described as the “genocide” in Gaza.
“These steps alone will not end the invasion or war crimes,” Sánchez noted, “but they will increase pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government and help alleviate the suffering of Palestinians.”
In retaliation, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that Spain’s Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz and Youth Minister Sira Rego—both from the left-wing coalition partner Sumar—have been banned from entering Israel. Saar accused the Spanish government of “antisemitism” and claimed Sánchez’s stance was a distraction from corruption scandals affecting his Socialist Party.
Spain has consistently been one of Europe’s strongest critics of Israel’s Gaza offensive. Last year, it joined Norway and Ireland in formally recognising the State of Palestine and became the first EU country to seek participation in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, while Israel cites Hamas-led attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of 251 hostages as the trigger for its military operations.
Despite Israel’s dismissal of Spain’s measures, Sánchez emphasised his government’s commitment to standing against what he described as war crimes and systemic oppression of Palestinians.
