Sanchez Publicly Labels Israel ‘Genocidal’ for the First Time
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez publicly described Israel as a “genocidal state” for the first time. This occurred during a tense parliamentary debate on 14 May, triggering an immediate diplomatic response from Tel Aviv.
Responding to criticism from Catalan MP Gabriel Rufián, who accused Sanchez of continuing trade ties with Israel amid the war in Gaza, the Spanish leader firmly stated: “We do not do business with a genocidal state.” He added that he had already clarified the government’s stance on this issue, pushing back against suggestions of hypocrisy.
Sanchez’s remarks marked a significant escalation in Spain’s criticism of Israel, especially as this was the first time he personally used the term “genocidal,” a label his coalition partners have long adopted.
Israel Summons Spanish Ambassador in Diplomatic Protest
In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry summoned Spanish ambassador Ana Salomon for a formal reprimand in Jerusalem. The ministry described Sanchez’s comments as “severe,” stating that the meeting would take place the following day.
A government statement underscored the gravity of the accusation, reflecting Tel Aviv’s growing unease with European criticism over its military actions in Gaza.
Spain Cancels Arms Deal, Recognises Palestine
In April 2025, the Spanish government unilaterally cancelled a €6.6 million ($7 million) munitions contract with an Israeli defense company. Local reports suggested that the decision followed pressure from Sanchez’s coalition partner, Sumar, a left-wing party led by Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz, who has consistently accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
In May 2024, Spain joined Norway and Ireland in officially recognizing the State of Palestine. The following month, Sanchez’s government declared its support for South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Gaza War: Increasing Death Toll and Legal Challenge
Since breaking the March 18 ceasefire in the long-standing conflict, Israeli military forces have led the assault on Gaza, reportedly killing over 53,000 people and injuring more than 118,000, according to Al Jazeera. Around 14,000 people in the region remain unaccounted for.
Now that the ceasefire has collapsed, Israel, being the aggressor country, has decided not to let any humanitarian aid in. This action has triggered global alarms, suggesting that a famine is imminent.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been after the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes, specifically for the use of starvation as a weapon of war. The ICJ is also investigating the genocide allegations against Israel. The country is being accused of carrying out the act of genocide before these proceedings. Currently, Spain is backing up this allegation.
Western Divides on Genocide Label
While Spain has taken a firm stand, other Western governments remain reluctant to describe the situation in Gaza as genocide. The United Kingdom, for instance, has rejected such terminology in court, arguing that current evidence does not meet the legal threshold.
The UK Labour government has repeatedly delayed formally recognizing a Palestinian state, even while expressing long-term support for a two-state solution.
Watch the video here:
@abi_darlin “Let me make one thing clear. We do not trade with a genocidal state” During a parliamentary meeting on May 14, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that his country would not resume trade with Israel due to its ongoing war on Gaza. Local media noted it was his first public use of the term “genocidal state” — commonly used by his coalition partner, Sumar. Video credit to TRTworld. #palestine #israel
Watch a video of the PM calling out EuroVision’s double standards for banning Russia, but including Israel:
@thenationalnews Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez spoke about Israel’s participation in the Eurovision song competition, saying it was a ‘double standard’ to allow Israel to participate while banning Russia. #news #spain pedrosanchez #eurovision
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