The statements by the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, and the Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander de Croo, about Israel’s “indiscriminate” offensive in the Gaza Strip upset the Government of Benjamin Netanyahu and opened a diplomatic crisis. The situation has escalated to the point where representatives of each country are called for consultations. Israel considered the statements “support for terrorism”, an accusation that Spain “strongly” rejected. The President of the Spanish Government even spoke of the possibility of recognition of the Palestinian State.
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This Friday, November 24, the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, and the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander de Croo, visited the Rafah border crossing, between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. From there, they criticized the offensive that Israel undertook in the Palestinian enclave after the Hamas attack on October 7.
“I firmly believe that we have to call on Israel to comply with its obligations under international law,” Sánchez said in a press conference with De Croo at the Rafah crossing, hours before the departure of the first kidnapped people. released by Hamas.
Likewise, he said that “the time has come for the international community and the European Union to once and for all recognize the State of Palestine.”
At the beginning of a truce that will last four days, Sánchez also called for “a lasting humanitarian ceasefire.” And, although he recognized Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas attacks, he stated that he must do so within the framework of International Humanitarian Law.
“But this is not the case. The indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians, including thousands of children, is totally unacceptable. Violence will only lead to more violence,” said the President of the Spanish Government in a press conference.
For his part, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo condemned the destruction of Gaza and said that “it is unacceptable.” “We cannot accept that a society is destroyed in the way it is being destroyed,” he added.
Both expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and said they came to Rafah with a humanitarian message. “Many civilians have been killed and, as is often the case, the first victims are women and children. There are families and communities destroyed,” De Croo said.
However, they were emphatic in their condemnation of Hamas attacks and also expressed solidarity with the families of the captured hostages. “Hamas’ horror is barbaric and he must release all the hostages to return to their homes,” added the Belgian prime minister.
We’re at a crossroads.
Let us end the cycles of terrorism and violence.
My plea for a sustainable solution and respect for humanitarian law to Prime Minister Netanyahu. pic.twitter.com/tUKAlN8cjC
— Alexander De Croo 🇧🇪🇪🇺 (@alexanderdecroo) November 23, 2023
Israel accuses Sánchez and De Croo of “support for terrorism”
Israel’s response came immediately. Annoyed by his words, the Government of Benjamin Netanyahu condemned “the false statements of the heads of government of Spain and Belgium, which support terrorism,” said Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.
“Israel is acting in accordance with international law and fighting a murderous terrorist organization, worse than ISIS, that is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity,” Cohen said.
We condemn the false claims of the Prime Ministers of Spain and Belgium which support terrorism.
Israel is acting in accordance to international law and is fighting a murderous terrorist organization worse than ISIS, that is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.…— אלי כהן | Eli Cohen (@elicoh1) November 24, 2023
His statements came with diplomatic actions. Cohen summoned the ambassadors of Spain and Belgium, Ana Sálomon Pérez and Jean-Luc Bodson, respectively“for a harsh reprimand conversation” for the statements against the Israeli offensive.
“The accusations are totally false and unacceptable and we categorically reject them,” said the Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, in response, mentioning that they are analyzing “the appropriate response.” In addition, he also summoned the representative of Israel in Spain, Rodica Radian. Gordon.
Sánchez analyzes recognition of the Palestinian State
In his speech in Rafah, Sánchez also opened the possibility of full recognition of the Palestinian State. “The time has come for the international community, especially for the European Union, to recognize the State of Palestine,” said the President of the Spanish Government.
The European bloc does not recognize the Palestinians as a sovereign state. Even the United Nations does not recognize it as a member state.
Although it is not officially recognized as a State, the Palestinian people have diplomatic representations in several countries.
The recognition of a Palestinian State, Sánchez said, “is something that many EU countries believe we have to do jointly.” But he warned that, if an agreement is not reached, “Spain will make its own decision.”
With Reuters, EFE and local media.
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