On Monday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged European Union member states to support Madrid and Ireland's call to suspend the EU's free trade agreement with "Israel" due to its actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Sanchez emphasized that "Israel's" actions could be in violation of the human rights clause of the EU-"Israel" Association Agreement, which has been under review for months.
Sanchez Calls for Halting Arms Sales to 'Israel'
Earlier, Sanchez called on the international community to halt arms sales to "Israel." Speaking after a meeting with Pope Francis in Rome, Sanchez condemned "Israel's" military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, stating, "It is urgent that the international community cease arms exports to the Israeli government." He also criticized Israeli attacks on the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
No Withdrawal of UN Peacekeepers from Lebanon
Sanchez also made clear on Monday that there would be "no withdrawal" of UN peacekeeping forces from southern Lebanon, despite Israeli attacks and calls for their removal. The UNIFIL force, led by a Spanish general and composed of about 9,500 troops from 50 nations, has been stationed in Lebanon since 1978. Recent Israeli attacks have injured five UN peacekeepers, prompting international condemnation.
In response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call for the UN forces to withdraw, Sanchez reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to the UN Security Council resolution that strengthens the peacekeepers' role in southern Lebanon. He emphasized that only the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers should operate in the area.
Palestinian Resistance Intensifies Operations Against Israeli Forces Amid Ongoing Clashes in Gaza
International Reactions to Israeli Aggression
Sanchez's criticism comes amid increased Israeli military aggression in both Gaza and Lebanon, actions that many countries, including Spain, have strongly condemned. This week, Israeli forces injured Indonesian and Sri Lankan soldiers from the UNIFIL force, with Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto warning that such actions could constitute war crimes and violate international humanitarian law.
Sanchez's stance aligns with that of French President Emmanuel Macron, who has also called for halting arms deliveries to "Israel." However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has pledged to send more weapons to "Israel." The United States remains "Israel's" primary arms supplier, followed by Germany.