Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles described the war in Gaza as "actual genocide," amid deteriorating relations between Israel and Spain following Madrid's decision to recognize the Palestinian state. These remarks came during an interview she had with official television (TVE), echoing comments made by Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz, who recently described the Gaza war as genocide.
Robles stated during the interview, which also addressed the Russian war in Ukraine and conflicts in Africa, "We cannot ignore what is happening in Gaza, which is actual genocide." She added that Madrid's recognition of the state of Palestine is not a move against Israel, noting that it aims to help "end the violence in Gaza." She emphasized, "This is not against anyone; this is not against the State of Israel; this is not against the Israelis whom we respect."
For his part, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated in a post on social media platform X today: "The precautionary measures taken by the International Court of Justice, which included (the decision) to halt the Israeli attack in Rafah, are mandatory, and we call for their implementation."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez mentioned on Wednesday that if more countries recognize the Palestinian state, it will increase international pressure to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
