Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles described the war in Gaza as a real genocide, as relations between Israel and Spain deteriorated after Madrid’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state.
Robles’ comments came during an interview with the official TV channel TVE on Saturday, in which she also said “We cannot ignore what is happening in Gaza, which is a real genocide.” She pointed out that Madrid’s recognition of the Palestinian state is not a move against Israel, but rather aims to help end the violence in Gaza.
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares posted on the X platform, “The precautionary measures taken by the International Court of Justice, which included a decision to suspend the Israeli attack in Rafah, are binding and we demand their implementation.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on Wednesday that if more countries recognize the Palestinian state, this will increase international pressure to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz said on Friday that “Palestine will be liberated from the river to the sea,” which angered Israel.
Díaz’s statements came in a video clip circulated by activists on social media, in which she explained that Spain’s move to recognize the Palestinian state is just the beginning.
The Spanish Deputy Prime Minister pledged to continue pressing from her position in the government to defend human rights and put an end to the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people.
Díaz, who also holds the position of Minister of Labor and Economy, added: “We are living in a moment where doing the bare minimum is considered heroic, but it is not enough at the same time.”
She concluded her speech by saying, “Palestine will be liberated from the river to the sea,” referring to the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea between which historic Palestine lies.
