Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday intensified his condemnation of Israel’s actions in the Israel-Hamas war, with Israel retaliating by banning two Spanish ministers. Sánchez announced several measures aimed at pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“This is not self-defense; it’s extermination of a defenseless people. It violates humanitarian laws, and the international community is failing to act,” Sánchez said, reports AP/UNB.
Spain has formalized an arms embargo, imposed restrictions on ships carrying fuel to Israel, and pledged to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, targeting €150 million ($176 million) in 2026. The measures also include support for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees and an embargo on goods from Israeli settlements.
“These measures won’t end the war, but they aim to pressure Netanyahu’s government to alleviate Palestinian suffering,” Sánchez explained.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Sánchez of deflecting from internal scandals and labeled the Spanish actions “antisemitic.” He also announced that Spain’s Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz and Youth Minister Sira Rego, both from the left-wing coalition, would be banned from Israel due to their support for sanctions.
Spain has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military offensive, which has led to more than 64,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza Health Ministry data.
