Spain condemns EU’s “double standards,” urges suspension of Israel trade deal over Gaza genocide

• Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez criticized the EU for imposing sanctions on Russia over Ukraine while failing to hold Israel accountable for its military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in over 56,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023.
• Sanchez called for the immediate halt of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, citing violations of its human rights clause (Article Two) in the form of indiscriminate attacks, aid blockades and assaults on medical facilities in Gaza.
• Israel condemned Sanchez’s remarks as “morally indefensible,” prompting Spain to summon the Israeli ambassador in response. Meanwhile, an internal EU review found indications of Israeli breaches, but this has not led to action.
• Germany, Hungary, Austria and Bulgaria oppose suspending the agreement, while only Spain and Ireland openly support it. This makes full suspension nearly impossible due to the need for unanimous approval.
• Analysts and officials, including Sanchez, argue that the EU’s swift sanctions on Russia contrast sharply with its inaction on Israel, exposing selective moral outrage and weakening international credibility.

In a stinging rebuke to European Union leaders, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused the bloc of hypocrisy for sanctioning Russia over Ukraine – while failing to hold Israel accountable for its military offensive in Gaza.

Speaking ahead of the EU summit in Brussels, Sanchez vowed to push for the immediate suspension of the bloc’s trade agreement with Israel. He cited “flagrant” human rights violations – including the killing of over 56,000 Palestinians since the Oct. 7, 2023 Operation Al-Aqsa Flood attack – under a pact that explicitly ties economic ties to democratic principles.

The Spanish leader’s criticism centers on Article Two of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which designates human rights as an “essential element” of the deal. His remarks ignited a diplomatic clash, with Tel Aviv condemning them as “morally indefensible.” Meanwhile, Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation summoned the Israeli ambassador in retaliation. (Related: Outraged Israel recalls ambassadors from Spain, Norway, Ireland over recognition of Palestinian state.)

A confidential EU review leaked to diplomats last week found “indications” Israel breached these obligations through indiscriminate attacks, blockades on aid, and assaults on medical facilities. Yet despite the findings, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas ruled out suspending the agreement. She instead urged patience to “trigger concrete improvements” instead.

Madrid demands action

But Sanchez dismissed the delay as indefensible. He demanded: “How is it logical to impose 18 sanctions packages on Russia while ignoring Israel’s violations?” The Spanish prime minister’s sentiment echoed that of his Irish counterpart Micheal Martin. The Irish taoiseach (prime minister) noted that Europeans “find it incomprehensible” that Brussels won’t pressure Israel, given its violations.

The standoff underscores a deep rift within the bloc. Germany, Israel’s staunchest EU ally, rejected any suspension as “out of the question.” Hungary, Austria, and Bulgaria also opposed the move.

Only Spain and Ireland openly endorse full suspension – a step requiring unanimous approval, rendering it politically unviable. Even partial measures, like halting Israel’s access to EU research funds, lack sufficient support.

The impasse reflects what analysts call Europe’s “entrenched double standards” in applying international law. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the EU swiftly enacted sweeping sanctions, framing its response as a defense of sovereignty and humanitarian principles. Yet faced with Gaza’s soaring civilian toll – described by UN officials as “catastrophic” – the bloc has hesitated, exposing what critics argue is selective moral outrage.

Sanchez’s call to enforce the agreement follows Madrid’s pledge to recognize Palestine by July. This move aligns with growing global frustration over Western complicity in the conflict.

For now, EU leaders merely “took note” of the damning review, postponing further discussion until July. But with Gaza’s crisis worsening and global scrutiny intensifying, the bloc’s inertia risks eroding its credibility. “There can be no return to business as usual,” Sanchez warned.

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Watch this clip of a rally in Spain against unchecked defense spending by the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

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Sources include:

RT.com

DW.com

AA.com.tr

Brighteon.com