MADRID: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged the European Union to reconsider its strategic ties with Israel if the European Commission finds that Israel has violated humanitarian law in its Gaza campaign. He said this during his interview with Al Jazeera TV.
Sanchez, alongside his Irish counterpart, had previously called on Brussels to urgently review Israel’s compliance with human rights obligations in Gaza, where the country had launched a massive, ground and air offensive following an attack by Hamas in October.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Sanchez stated, “In the case of the EU, there’s an opportunity to discuss within the European Council whether to maintain our strategic relationship with Israel. However, this decision hinges on the assessment of the European Commission.”
Sanchez reiterated his plea for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and advocated for international recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state with full UN membership.
Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia recently announced their commitment to pursuing recognition of a Palestinian state.
In response, Israel criticized the move, warning that it would reward terrorism and hinder prospects for a negotiated resolution to the conflict.
Currently, 139 out of 193 United Nations member states have recognized Palestinian statehood since 1988.
