Spanish PM Sanchez on Israel: 'It is much weaker today...'
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that Israel's response to Hamas following October 7, 2023, has been "inhumane" and that the country is currently in a "much weaker" position in terms of security.
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Sanchez spoke to Spain's La Sexta television regarding current issues.
Noting that the date for the Spanish government's official recognition of the Palestinian state will not be May 21, as some statements and public expectations had suggested, because they will wait a little longer to coordinate the recognition decision with other countries, Sanchez stated that he would provide details on the date during his speech in the Spanish Parliament on May 22.
"WE HAD AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ARAB COMMUNITY"
Sanchez said, "Spain will recognize the Palestinian state. I believe this is important and necessary. I want to say this so that everyone knows why we are doing it. At the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference, we raised the flag for a two-state solution. We had agreed on the recognition of the Palestinian state and the recognition of the State of Israel by the Arab community for a peaceful and secure coexistence between Israel and Palestine. Since then, Israel and Palestine have been recognized by a very broad consensus, but it is clear that after what happened in Gaza on October 7, there is an Israeli prime minister who is not very willing to accept the recognition of the Palestinian state."
Expressing that some countries "see the recognition of the Palestinian state as a way to ensure the survival of the idea of peace and coexistence between Israel and Palestine," Sanchez stated that Spain is among these countries and advocates for the recognition of the Palestinian state with the same mindset.
"ARE HUMAN RIGHTS BEING RESPECTED IN GAZA?"
When asked, "Do you define what is happening in Gaza as genocide?", Sanchez gave the following response:
"I have my own personal opinion on this situation. Are human rights being respected in Gaza? I have extreme doubts about this. The International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice will decide on the definition of this. As Spain, we support these initiatives economically. The indiscriminate killing of civilians, women, and children in Gaza, and the destruction that will take decades to rebuild. I have extreme doubts, and any neutral analysis after what has happened in Gaza will have them too.
"After everything that has been done since October 7, I have a question. Those who defend Israel's position, including some Spaniards—Aznar (former Spanish Prime Minister), Ayuso (President of the Community of Madrid), Abascal (leader of the far-right Vox party). Is Hamas stronger or weaker today than it was in the past? Is Israel safer today than it was before the attack on October 7? In my view, Israel is much weaker today after its inhumane response in the war in Gaza."
On the other hand, Sanchez stated that the Spanish government has not issued any new licenses for arms exports to Israel since October 7, 2023, adding, "The Middle East, especially Israel and Palestine, does not need weapons. What is needed is humanitarian aid. Food, medical supplies, an end to the war and bombing, and the creation of a political horizon for peace and stability in the region."
Sanchez argued that the same policy Spain pursues in Ukraine also applies to Gaza.