The Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, has described the situation in Gaza as a “true genocide”, a term that had not yet been used by the socialist members of the government, although it had been used by members of Sumar. This statement comes amid a diplomatic crisis with Israel, which recalled its ambassador to Spain after Pedro Sánchez announced that the Council of Ministers on May 28th would approve the recognition of the Palestinian state. The military offensive launched by Israel in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th has resulted in the deaths of over 35,000 people, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas. Unicef estimates that nearly half of those killed were children. Robles made these comments during an interview on TVE before the start of the military parade in Oviedo, Asturias, to commemorate Armed Forces Day, which was presided over by the King and Queen. She emphasized Spain’s solidarity with global events, including the situation in Gaza, and stated that recognizing the Palestinian state is a commitment to peace and coexistence of two states, not an act against Israel or its people.
Robles also expressed confidence that cooperation between intelligence services in the fight against jihadist terrorism would continue despite the Spanish government’s position on Palestine. She stressed that everyone shares common goals in fighting terrorism and that diplomatic or political differences should not affect this collaboration. Previously, the socialist faction of the government had avoided using the term “genocide” to describe Israel’s military actions in Gaza. In a recent interview, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the Israeli offensive “inhumane” but did not directly label it as genocide. The tension between Spain and Israel has been increasing, especially after Sánchez’s announcement of the imminent recognition of the Palestinian state. Israel reacted by recalling its ambassador to Spain and reprimanding the Spanish ambassador in Tel Aviv. The Israeli Foreign Minister also announced the decision to prohibit the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem from providing services to Palestinians in the West Bank, following a video in which the Spanish Vice President Yolanda Díaz used the phrase “from the river to the sea”, a slogan that refers to the territories of Israel and occupied Palestinian territories.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has led to a critical situation in Gaza, with a large number of civilian casualties, including children. The Spanish government’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state has sparked a diplomatic crisis with Israel, resulting in escalating tensions between the two countries. Despite differences in political positions, both governments are committed to combating terrorism and maintaining cooperation in intelligence sharing. The conflict in Gaza highlights the need for a peaceful resolution and coexistence between Israel and Palestine, which can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiation. The international community plays a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the region, and efforts must be made to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure respect for human rights and international law.
The recognition of the Palestinian state by Spain is viewed as a positive step towards peace and the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is seen as a way to support the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people and to work towards a two-state solution that allows for the coexistence of Israel and Palestine. The situation in Gaza underscores the urgent need for a cessation of violence and the protection of civilians, particularly children, who are the most vulnerable in conflict zones. The international community must continue to support efforts to achieve a lasting and just peace in the region, based on respect for the rights and dignity of all people involved. By recognizing the state of Palestine, Spain is sending a message of solidarity and support for the Palestinian people, while also advocating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region.
