Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged Ursula von der Leyen to do more to halt Israel’s “illegal invasion” of Gaza, a day after the European Commission president described Israel’s expanded war as “abhorrent”.
“One year after recognising Palestine as a state, the pain in Gaza is unbearable,” Sánchez posted on X shortly before his Wednesday in Brussels with von der Leyen. “Spain will continue to raise its voice, stronger than ever, to put an end to the massacre that the world is witnessing today,” he added.
During the meeting, Sánchez shared with von der Leyen his “extreme concern” at the “humanitarian catastrophe” civilians are currently suffering in Gaza, according to a Spanish government press release.
The Spanish leader reiterated the importance of increasing international pressure – via sanctions and an arms embargo – to push Israel to stop its “illegal invasion,” the press release reads.
The meeting comes amid a growing shift in tone among Europe’s traditionally strongest supporters of Israel. On Tuesday, von der Leyen accused Israel of using “disproportionate” force against Palestinian civilians and called its expanded war against Hamas in Gaza “abhorrent.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that Israel’s actions in Gaza can “no longer be justified.”
Spain, meanwhile, has urged the EU to fully suspend the EU’s association agreement with Israel. A majority of EU foreign ministers expressed support last week for launching a review of the agreement, which governs trade relations between the bloc and its 31st-largest trading partner.
After Spain’s recognition of Palestinian statehood in 2024, Sánchez has increased diplomatic pressure to force Israel to “comply with international law.” Spanish diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv remain virtually non-existent, and Sánchez has sought Arab League support for two planned proposals on the war for the UN in September.
In the Spanish parliament earlier this month, Sánchez referred to Israel as a “genocidal state.”
(om)