Spain’s Foreign Minister Calls for End to Israeli Assault on Gaza
Madrid (Quds News Network)- Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has called for an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the “immediate” entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave.
“Israel’s military operations continue to cause death in Gaza and the West Bank,” he wrote on X, adding that among the victims are “thousands of civilians, women, children, and humanitarian workers”.
The top diplomat concluded: “We do not resign ourselves to violence. Peace is possible. A permanent ceasefire and the release of the hostages cannot be delayed.”
On Thursday, Spain’s government halted a controversial $7.5m deal to buy ammunition from Israel, following criticism of it from far-left allies within the governing minority coalition.
The country’s socialist prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, intervened to cancel the deal after Sumar, a group of left-wing parties, threatened to pull out of the governing coalition.
Spain has been critical of Israel’s war on Gaza, and in October 2023, pledged to stop selling weapons to Israel. In February 2024, it said it also would not buy weapons from Israel.
Last year, Spain recognised the State of Palestine in a joint move with Ireland and Norway.
After restarting its assault on March 18 following a fragile ceasefire, Israel has pledged to intensify its 18-month war on Gaza. Since March 2, it has also blocked the entry of food, fuel and aid into the enclave, defying an order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that it must allow humanitarian access.
The death toll in Gaza has now reached over 51,300, with at least 117,200 wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
