Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has strongly condemned Israel for its actions in Gaza, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing crimes similar to those of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. He criticized the European Union for not taking sufficient steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, warning that Israel’s actions will be remembered as a dark chapter of the 21st century. Sánchez called on European nations to act decisively and stated that any country violating EU principles, weaponizing hunger and war to destroy a legitimate state, cannot remain a partner of Europe.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged the European Union to take immediate action against Israel for violating its human rights commitments under the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

“While the EU has passed 18 sanction packages against Russia for its aggression toward Ukraine and Europe, it has failed to suspend its agreement with Israel—even though Israel is clearly violating Article 2 of that treaty,” Sánchez said.

He stressed, “The EU must not delay any further. I will push for an immediate suspension of the agreement with Israel.” Meanwhile, the EU has so far responded only with calls for dialogue.

Spain has accused Israel of severe human rights violations during its military operations in Gaza, resulting in nearly 56,000 deaths over 20 months. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares will call on the EU to suspend its agreements with Israel and impose arms sale bans. Over 110 organizations, including Human Rights Watch, support these measures, citing ignored International Court of Justice rulings. The EU-Israel trade agreement may be halted, reinstating tariffs to hold Israel accountable for alleged war crimes and occupation violations.

Spain has cancelled a $7.5 million arms deal with Israeli firm IMI Systems due to pressure from left-wing coalition partners. The move comes after prior criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza, and follows a February deal to purchase 15 million rounds of ammunition, which the government has now scrapped.

A coal mine accident in Cerredo, Asturias, Spain, on Monday resulted in the deaths of five miners and injuries to four others. The incident occurred at 9:32 AM local time due to machinery failure inside the mine. Emergency services responded with three helicopters and two ambulances. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez extended condolences to the victims’ families.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged to oppose US President Donald Trump’s plan to transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Speaking at a rally in the Basque Country on February 15, Sánchez stated, “No real estate venture can cover up the horrific human rights violations we have witnessed in Gaza in recent years.” He emphasized that Spain would not approve such plans and condemned the support that US Vice President Mike Pence has shown for right-wing groups in the region. Sánchez, leader of Spain’s Socialist Workers’ Party, advocates for a two-state solution that would allow Palestinians and Israelis to live in “peace, harmony, and security.”