BRUSSELS: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a blistering condemnation of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza on Thursday, declaring the besieged Palestinian territory faces a “catastrophic situation of genocide” and demanding the European Union immediately suspend its cooperation agreement with Israel.
Speaking ahead of an EU summit, Sánchez cited a damning internal EU human rights report that found “indications” Israel is violating its obligations under the bilateral deal that governs trade relations. The document highlights Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid, staggering civilian casualties, attacks on journalists, and widespread displacement in Gaza.
“It’s more than obvious Israel is breaching its commitments,” Sánchez told reporters. “We’ve imposed 18 rounds of sanctions on Russia over Ukraine, yet we hesitate to suspend this agreement – this is an unacceptable double standard.”
The Spanish leader’s remarks mark the strongest accusation of genocide by any Western leader since Israel launched its offensive following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attacks, which killed 1,219 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 56,000 Palestinian deaths, a figure the UN considers credible.
The EU report adds pressure on the bloc to reconsider its relationship with Israel, though diplomats say suspending the agreement remains unlikely given divisions among member states. Such a move would require unanimous approval.
Sánchez’s intervention comes as international scrutiny intensifies over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, where UN agencies warn of famine, the near-total destruction of civilian infrastructure, and what rights groups describe as possible war crimes.
