The hardest attack so far came from the European leader who opens Israel: “Catastrophic genocide”
Gaza, Gaza Strip – June 26, 2025: Charitable organizations distribute food to the Palestinians in the refugee camp. Photo: Hassan Jedi / AFP / Profimedia
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Thursday that the Gaza strip is in a “catastrophic genocide” and urged the European Union to immediately suspend the cooperation agreement with Israel, informs France Presse.
- These statements represent the strongest conviction so far from the Spanish leader, an open critic of the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
In statements made to reporters before the EU summit in Brussels, Sanchez mentioned a recent report of the Diplomatic Service of the Community Human Rights, which, according to the Spanish Prime Minister, addresses the “catastrophic situation that takes place in Gaza”.
The report published last week found “indications” that Israel violates its obligations in respect of human rights assumed in the agreement, which is the basis of the Commercial Relations between the EU and Israel.
The text cites the blockade imposed by Israel on the humanitarian aid for Palestinian territories, the high number of civil victims, attacks on journalists, massive population rejoices and the destruction caused by the war.
Sanchez said that he is “more than obvious” that Israel violates his obligations and that the community block should “immediately” the cooperation agreement.
“It does not make sense” that the EU has imposed 18 rounds of sanctions against Russia because of the invasion of Ukraine, but “hypocritically, not even be able to suspend an association agreement,” added the Spanish Prime Minister.
The definitive suspension of the EU-Israel agreement would require the unanimity of the Member States, which diplomats consider practically impossible due to divisions within the Community Bloc.
The war in Gaza began after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 on Israel, which led to the death of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP balance based on official figures.
Palestinian militants also took 251 hostages, of which 49 are still held in the Gaza strip, including 27 of which the Israeli army states that they are dead.
The military reprisal campaign of Israel killed at least 56,156 people in Gaza, most civilians, according to the Ministry of Health in the territory controlled by Hamas. The United Nations believes that the figures of the ministry are credible.
