Spanish FM slams EU ‘silence’ on Gaza, unveils plan to sanction 'Israel'

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares sharply criticized what he described as the European Union’s “silence” over the “genocide” carried out by 'Israeli' forces in Gaza, contrasting it with the strong stance the bloc took on the war in Ukraine.

Speaking on Friday, Albares said Spain had presented a concrete action plan and would lead efforts within the EU to impose punitive measures on 'Israel', stressing that “the time to act is now.”

Criticism of European ‘double standards’

From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Madrid, Albares questioned why the EU has not responded to Gaza with the same determination it showed in Ukraine.

“I cannot understand it, because the same principles, the same international law, the same targeting of hospitals and civilians, all of this has also happened in Gaza,” he said.

“Europe cannot have two scales and two standards. We must act, and I am sure that sooner or later we will.”

Spain’s action plan to punish Israel

Albares revealed that during last month’s meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen, he put forward a three-point action plan that includes:

• A comprehensive ban on arms sales to 'Israel'.
• Ending all trade relations with 'Israel'.
• Suspending all joint EU-'Israel' programs.

Although the plan has not yet achieved consensus, Albares said he saw “a majority of states now willing to make progress,” adding that the bloc was edging closer to a qualified majority to pass some of these measures.

Support for ‘Freedom Flotilla’

The Spanish minister also addressed the “Global Freedom Flotilla” sailing from European ports toward Gaza, rejecting 'Israeli' National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s labeling of participants as “terrorists.”

“I am very proud to be the foreign minister of a country that stands in solidarity and does not tolerate barbarity,” Albares said, stressing that Spanish citizens on board enjoy full diplomatic and consular protection.

He called on 'Israel' to immediately end its blockade of Gaza and allow aid deliveries without restrictions.

‘Measures for humanity, not against anyone’

In a veiled reference to countries such as Germany, Albares acknowledged that some EU states have “different historical relations” with 'Israel'. But he clarified that none of the measures proposed were “against Jews,” insisting they were designed to uphold international law, basic humanitarian standards, and to end what he described as “madness and barbarity.”