Europe’s Response to Gaza Genocide ‘a Failure’ – Spanish PM

September 3, 2025 News
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. (Photo: Frederic Esteve, Supplied)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

“What we’re now witnessing in Gaza is perhaps one of the darkest episodes of international relations in the 21st century.” Pedro Sánchez

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has criticized Europe’s response to Israel’s ongoing genocidal assault on Gaza as a “failure” that threatens to undermine its credibility.

“It is a failure,” he said in an interview with the Guardian on Wednesday. “Absolutely. It is also the reality that, within the European Union (EU), there are countries that are divided when it comes to how to influence Israel.

“But in my opinion, it’s not acceptable and we can’t last longer if we want to increase our credibility when it comes to other crises, such as the one we face in Ukraine.”

Sanchez, who is the first senior European leader to accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza, made the comments ahead of talks with the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, in London, the paper stated.

He said although the roots of the two conflicts “are completely different,” there is the question of double standards.

“At the end of the day, the world is looking at the EU and also at western society and asking: ‘Why are you doing double standards when it comes to Ukraine and when it comes to Gaza?’” Sanchez stated.

EU-Israel Association Agreement

The EU has been criticized for its refusal to suspend a trade agreement with Israel despite an internal review’s findings that Israel is violating human rights obligations under the terms of the Association Agreement.

Pointing out that Spain has been “vocal” within the EU against Israel’s actions, Sanchez said he was pushing Europe to do more, the report stated.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kallas: No Consensus on Sanctions against Israel

“What we’re now witnessing in Gaza is perhaps one of the darkest episodes of international relations in the 21st century, and in this regard what I have to say is that Spain has been very vocal within the EU and also within the international community,” he stated.

Sanchez added, “Within the EU, what we have done so far is advocate to suspend the strategic partnership that the EU has with Israel.”

Criticism

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has accused the EU of “consciously supporting Israel’s genocide of the Palestinians,” after the bloc refused to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel.

While Gaza Bleeds amid Genocide, Europe Remains a Mute Spectator

The EU-Israel Association Agreement governs political and economic ties between the two parties and includes an “essential element” clause requiring respect for human rights and democratic principles. Violation of this clause can lead to the suspension of the agreement.

Staggering Death Toll

Since reneging on the ceasefire on March 18, Israel has continued its bloody aerial bombardment across the Gaza Strip, killing and wounding thousands of Palestinians.

Starting on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military, with American support, launched a genocidal war against the people of Gaza. This campaign has so far resulted in the deaths of more than 63,500 Palestinians, with more than 160,000 wounded. The vast majority of the population has been displaced, and the destruction of infrastructure is unprecedented since World War II. Thousands of people are still missing.

In addition to the military assault, the Israeli blockade has caused a man-made famine, leading to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians—mostly children—with hundreds of thousands more at risk.

Despite widespread international condemnation, little has been done to hold Israel accountable. The nation is currently under investigation for genocide by the International Court of Justice, while accused war criminals, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are officially wanted by the International Criminal Court.

(The Palestine Chronicle)

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