Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has sharply condemned Israel by calling it a “genocidal state,” marking his strongest criticism yet of the country’s actions in Gaza.
Sánchez made this statement during a heated exchange with Catalan politician Gabriel Rufián, who had questioned why Spain continues trade relations with Israel amid the ongoing conflict. In response, Sánchez firmly stated, “We do not do business with a genocidal state.”
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This is reportedly the first time Sánchez has publicly used such strong language against Israel, signaling a notable escalation in his stance on the Gaza situation.
His comments are consistent with those of Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz, who has also accused Israel of genocide and urged a halt to trade ties with the country.
Israel reacted swiftly by summoning the Spanish ambassador, highlighting rising diplomatic tensions between the two nations amid increasing global criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
