Madrid is no doubt pleased by Brussels’ hardening stance against Israel. But not wanting to be forgotten as one of Europe’s first opponents of the war against Hamas terrorists, Socialist prime minister Pedro Sánchez is pushing for the Commission to go further still.
In what he described as a “fruitful” meeting with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday, Sánchez urged the EU to “mobilise to stop [Benjamin] Netanyahu’s illegal invasion of Gaza.” He proposed the suspension of the bloc’s cooperation agreement with Israel—currently under review, despite opposition from Hungary, Germany, Italy, and others—as well as the imposition of sanctions and the application of “more diplomatic pressure.”
Acabo de mantener una fructífera reunión de trabajo con @vonderleyen. Hemos hablado de la guerra comercial, de la necesidad de aumentar las interconexiones eléctricas entre la Península Ibérica y el resto Europa y de la importancia de desplegar una política de vivienda ambiciosa… pic.twitter.com/QYCHKlugQl
Von der Leyen did not refer to these points of discussion in her post-meeting statement, but did say that more aid was needed to overcome “the intolerable humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”
Israel has been allowing more aid into Gaza over the past week, but claimed on Wednesday that this was being kept away from civilians by Hamas terrorists who—contrary to Western reports—“opened fire” on those trying to secure their share. Officials have celebrated other deliveries being distributed without falling into the hands of Hamas, whose latest commander was reportedly killed in a recent strike.
Sánchez also stressed this week that “Spain will continue to raise its voice, stronger than ever, to end the massacre the world is witnessing today,” a year after his government officially recognised a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, Israel marked 600 days since its people were taken hostage by Hamas and insisted, “We will not rest until every last hostage is home.”
Pressure has been ramping up against Israel in Europe since Netanyahu’s administration announced a widening offensive in Gaza. The leaders of France, Britain and Canada last week promised “concrete actions” if this was not brought to an end.
Their complaining from the sidelines has had little effect compared to action from more supportive officials in the U.S., who, after recent talks, say they have “very good feelings” about a possible Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Michael Curzon is a news writer for europeanconservative.com based in England’s Midlands. He is also Editor of Bournbrook Magazine, which he founded in 2019, and previously wrote for London’s Express Online. His Twitter handle is @MichaelCurzon_.
