The head of government emphasized that the embargo voted last week by the Spanish parliament will remain in force despite the agreement concluded on Monday ending Israel's war with Hamas. — Restrictions will not be lifted until the peace process is consolidated and ultimately moves towards (lasting) peace, the politician added.
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At the same time, Sanchez emphasized that those responsible for the “genocide committed in the Gaza Strip” must be punished, and Spain does not rule out sending its soldiers to this region as part of a peace mission.
The prime minister participated on Monday – together with about 30 leaders – in a peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, ending the war in the Gaza Strip. The head of the Spanish government shook hands with US President Donald Trump and exchanged a few words with him when greeting him.
Donald Trump criticizes Spain
Trump has repeatedly criticized Spain for too little defense spending. The government in Madrid opposes spending 5%. GDP for this purpose, which Sanchez confirmed in an interview with Cadena SER radio.
The US president said on Tuesday – after Sanchez's interview – that he was dissatisfied with Spain's level of defense spending and was thinking of punishing it with tariffs. “I was actually thinking of punishing them trade-wise with tariffs for what they did. And I can do it, I think it's unimaginably disrespectful (on the part of) Spain, Trump said, answering journalists' questions during a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei.
A few days ago, the American suggested that Spain should perhaps be kicked out of NATO. The government in Madrid argues that higher defense funds threaten social spending, and an amount of 2.1% is enough to meet the Alliance's goals.
