Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged that Israel be excluded from global sports competitions, comparing its actions in Gaza to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He argued Israel should not use international platforms “to whitewash its image.”
The remarks drew sharp criticism from Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who accused Sánchez of inciting pro-Palestinian protests that disrupted the Vuelta a España cycling race. Several Spanish ministers also backed protests and repeated calls to bar Israel from events like Eurovision.
Tensions between Spain and Israel have deepened since 2023, with Madrid recognising a Palestinian state, imposing an arms embargo, and accusing Israel of genocide. Polls show 82% of Spaniards believe genocide is occurring in Gaza.
Meanwhile, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for suspending trade with Israel, citing famine in Gaza, which the UN-backed IPC has confirmed. Israel denies responsibility, blaming Hamas and aid agencies. The war began after Hamas’ October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people in Israel; over 64,000 have since been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
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