Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for Israel to be excluded from international sports competitions over its actions in Gaza. Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image, he told elected representatives of his Socialist Workers' Party. Sánchez stated that Israel should be treated in the same way as Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
On Sunday, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the Spanish prime minister a disgrace and accused him of inciting pro-Palestinian protests in Madrid, which resulted in the cancellation of the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race, in which an Israeli team was competing.
Earlier in the day, Sánchez had noted that previous protests during the three-week race demonstrated that Spain shines as an example, with pride on the Gaza issue. Several Spanish government ministers have also praised the final stage protest, with about 100,000 attendees according to official figures.
It's a relief to me that thousands and thousands of people mobilise against that genocide, because it is genocide and it has no other name, declared Óscar López, the minister of digital transformation. Israel has denied that its actions constitute genocide, asserting they are justified as self-defensive measures.
Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun articulated that Israel should not participate in the next Eurovision Song Contest, echoing earlier sentiments expressed by Sánchez. The public broadcasters of Ireland and the Netherlands have already indicated they will withdraw if Israel is included in the contest due to the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Tensions between Spain and Israel have heightened since late 2023, when Sánchez voiced concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza, leading some government officials to suggest severing diplomatic relations. In 2024, Spain acknowledged a Palestinian state and recently affirmed an arms embargo against Israel, resulting in severe allegations from Israeli officials against Sánchez's administration.
A recent poll indicated that 82% of Spaniards believe genocide is occurring in Gaza. Ursula von der Leyen, presumably addressing the humanitarian crisis, has called for a suspension of free trade and bilateral support with Israel, indicating a widespread concern over the humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict.
On Sunday, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the Spanish prime minister a disgrace and accused him of inciting pro-Palestinian protests in Madrid, which resulted in the cancellation of the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race, in which an Israeli team was competing.
Earlier in the day, Sánchez had noted that previous protests during the three-week race demonstrated that Spain shines as an example, with pride on the Gaza issue. Several Spanish government ministers have also praised the final stage protest, with about 100,000 attendees according to official figures.
It's a relief to me that thousands and thousands of people mobilise against that genocide, because it is genocide and it has no other name, declared Óscar López, the minister of digital transformation. Israel has denied that its actions constitute genocide, asserting they are justified as self-defensive measures.
Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun articulated that Israel should not participate in the next Eurovision Song Contest, echoing earlier sentiments expressed by Sánchez. The public broadcasters of Ireland and the Netherlands have already indicated they will withdraw if Israel is included in the contest due to the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Tensions between Spain and Israel have heightened since late 2023, when Sánchez voiced concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza, leading some government officials to suggest severing diplomatic relations. In 2024, Spain acknowledged a Palestinian state and recently affirmed an arms embargo against Israel, resulting in severe allegations from Israeli officials against Sánchez's administration.
A recent poll indicated that 82% of Spaniards believe genocide is occurring in Gaza. Ursula von der Leyen, presumably addressing the humanitarian crisis, has called for a suspension of free trade and bilateral support with Israel, indicating a widespread concern over the humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict.
