Spain emerges as Europe’s leading pro-Palestinian voice

Spain’s 2024 recognition of Palestine underscores its commitment to justice amid Gaza’s humanitarian crisis

MADRID, Spain (MNTV) – Spain has become a rare pro-Palestinian advocate within the European Union, distinguishing itself amid the ongoing Gaza genocide. 

This week, the Spanish foreign minister  José Manuel Albares stated that Gaza is facing an “unimaginable humanitarian catastrophe.”

“Gazans deserve a horizon of hope to live in dignity and peace,” he added.

Since the start of Israel’s genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, Spain’s government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and emphasized the urgency of a political resolution based on the two-state solution. 

This stance has drawn fierce criticism from Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Spain of aligning with “terrorist sympathies.”

While condemning Hamas’ attacks and advocating for the release of hostages, Sánchez has also voiced strong criticism of what he termed Israel’s “indiscriminate killing of Palestinians.”

In meetings with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Sánchez pressed for an immediate ceasefire and the convening of a peace summit. 

His diplomatic itinerary also included stops in Egypt, where he discussed the crisis with President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Historical alignment with Palestine

Spain’s support for Palestine is rooted in a diplomatic tradition that reflects its historical ties to the Arab world. 

Notably, Spain was among the last European countries to recognize Israel in 1986, a decision delayed by post-World War II tensions and Franco-era alignment with Arab nations. 

In 1991, Spain hosted the Madrid Peace Conference, a precursor to the Oslo Accords, which symbolized its commitment to the Palestinian cause.

The nation took a bold step in May 2024 by formally recognizing the state of Palestine, alongside Ireland and Norway. 

Spain also backed South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and partially suspended arms exports to Israel. 

These actions underscore Spain’s position as a rare dissenting voice within an EU largely aligned with Israel.

Domestic solidarity and challenges

At home, Spain’s stance has found resonance among its population, with surveys consistently identifying Spaniards as among the most pro-Palestinian in Europe. 

This sentiment was exemplified in October 2023, when over 3,000 demonstrators in Guernica created a human mosaic with the Palestinian flag, invoking the historical memory of their town’s 1937 bombing.

Yet, Sánchez’s pro-Palestinian approach faces challenges from within his coalition government and EU peers. 

Far-right and conservative factions question the timing of Palestinian state recognition, while leftist allies demand bolder actions, including severing ties with Israel. 

Spain’s advocacy for Palestine took center stage recently as over 300 cultural figures, including Oscar-winning director Pedro Almodóvar, signed a petition urging the government to impose a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel. 

The petition condemned the supply and transit of weapons as contributing to “perpetuating the Occupation, financing genocide on the Palestinian people, and increasing civilian suffering.”

Meanwhile, Sánchez must navigate accusations of hypocrisy, as Spain continues limited arms trade with Israel despite an announced embargo.

As the conflict persists, Spain’s leadership continues to advocate for Palestinian self-determination, seeking to inspire a “domino effect” of support across Europe. 

Whether this aspiration will materialize remains uncertain, but Spain’s unwavering stance has solidified its role as a prominent voice for Palestine on the international stage.