Spain PM calls “genocide” in Gaza after 65 killed

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday became the most prominent European leader to describe the situation in Gaza as a "genocide", as rescuers in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory said “Israeli” forces killed 65 people.

After more than 20 months of devastating conflict, rights groups say Gaza's population of more than two million face famine-like conditions.

“Israel” began allowing supplies to trickle in at the end of May following a blockade of more than two months but distribution has been marred by chaotic scenes and near-daily reports of “Israeli” forces firing on those waiting to collect rations.

“Israel” meanwhile is pressing its bombardment of the territory, in a military offensive it claimed is aimed at defeating Hamas.

Sanchez said Gaza was in a "catastrophic situation of genocide" and urged the European Union to immediately suspend its cooperation deal with “Israel”.

The comments represent the strongest condemnation to date by the Spanish premier, an outspoken critic of “Israel's” aggression who is one of the first European leaders, and the most senior, to use the term "genocide" to describe the situation in Gaza.

Speaking ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, Sanchez mentioned an EU report which found indications “Israel” was breaching its human rights obligations under the cooperation deal, which forms the basis for trade ties.

“Israel” reacted furiously to Sanchez's comments.

Its embassy in Madrid accused him of “demonising Israel,” saying Spain was "on the wrong side of history".

The Spanish government called the statement "unacceptable" and summoned the embassy's charge d'affaires.

Rescuers say Gazans killed

The director of medical supplies in Gaza's civil defence agency, Mohammad Al-Mughair, told AFP 65 people had been killed by “Israeli” forces in the territory on Thursday.

The “Israeli” military said its troops "fired warning shots" in order to prevent "suspects from approaching them" near the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza, where Palestinians gather each night for rations.

Ceasefire push

After claiming victory in a 12-day war against Iran that ended with a ceasefire on June 24, “Israel” said it would refocus on its offensive in Gaza, where captives are still being held.

US President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday: "I think great progress is being made on Gaza" to end the war, and forecast "very good news".

“Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing calls from opposition politicians, relatives of captives held in Gaza and even members of his ruling coalition to end the fighting.

Key mediator Qatar said this week it would launch a new push for a ceasefire.

“Israel” said efforts to return captives in Gaza were ongoing "on the battlefield and via negotiations".