Madrid: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Friday called for the immediate suspension of the European Union’s partnership agreement with Israel, citing what he described as Israeli forces committing genocide against civilians in the Gaza Strip.
The remarks came during a speech Sanchez delivered before the Spanish Parliament, in which he sharply criticized the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing its conduct as among the darkest chapters of the 21st century.
Sanchez noted that Spain, alongside Ireland, had formally requested in February 2024 that the EU assess Israel’s compliance with the partnership agreement, whose Article 2 requires respect for human rights.
He referenced a report issued by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, dated Jun. 23, which concluded there was sufficient evidence indicating Israel had violated this article.
The Spanish leader emphasized that no practical action had yet been taken by the EU regarding this issue, adding that those who violate the founding principles of the European Union and use hunger in Gaza as a weapon against a legitimate state cannot be considered partners of the Union.
He continued that they cannot be partners to the greatest genocide of this century, whether through indifference, hesitation, or political calculation.
The EU-Israel Partnership Agreement was signed in Brussels on Nov. 20, 1995, and came into effect on Jun. 1, 2000, after ratification by the parliaments of the EU member states, the European Parliament, and the Israeli Knesset.
