The president of the Government of Spain, the socialist Pedro Sánchez, asked on Thursday (26) to the European Union (EU) to immediately suspend his association agreement with Israel, considering “more than evident” that the country is violating respect for human rights in the Gaza Strip.
Upon arriving at the European Council meeting in Brussels, Sánchez told journalists present that he would make this request to the other leaders present.
The president of the Spanish government mentioned that the EU high representative for foreign policy, Kaja Kallas recently released a report signaling that Israel could be violating article 2 of the Association Agreement, which mentions respect for human rights.
“What makes no sense is that we are implementing 18 packages of sanctions against Russia for its assault on Ukraine, and Europe, in a double standard, is unable to even suspend an association agreement when Article 2 on respect for human rights is being flagrantly violated,” said the socialist.
Sánchez recalled that Spain even presented a resolution to the UN General Assembly, along with the Palestinian National Authority, which received “wide support” to ask for the end of the war and access to humanitarian aid in Gaza.
In addition, he asked to advance toward a solution of two states, which the Spanish government believes it is the only possible solution to the issue.
This is not Spain’s first attempt to boycott Israel. Earlier this month, the Spanish government had already announced the cancellation of the purchase of 168 missile launchers and 1,680 Anti -Tank missiles from the Israeli company Rafael due to divergences on support to the country.
In addition, last month, Sánchez suggested that Israel be excluded from international events and competitions.
