Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared Wednesday that those responsible for the devastation in Gaza “must be held accountable,” insisting that true peace requires justice.
Sanchez, who was quoted by the Anadolu news agency, made the remarks while hosting Palestinian Authority (PA) chairman Mahmoud Abbas at La Moncloa Palace in Madrid.
Sanchez emphasized the symbolism of the occasion, marking the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and stressed that human dignity is “an unconditional, unique and non-negotiable value.”
The Spanish leader described 2025 as “a terrible year for the Palestinian people,” noting that nine out of ten homes in Gaza are now uninhabitable and “thousands of lives and families” have been destroyed.
Sanchez cautioned that the ceasefire has not ended civilian suffering. “Even today, after the ceasefire (declaration), Palestinians in Gaza are still suffering attacks … We need real peace. Those responsible for this genocide must be held accountable,” he charged.
While he did not directly mention Israel, Sanchez has positioned himself as one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s policy in Gaza, repeatedly accusing the Jewish state of genocide.
In November of 2023, Spain’s Ambassador to Israel was summoned by the Foreign Ministry after Sanchez claimed that "Israel is violating international law and is carrying out indiscriminate killings in Gaza."
Last April, Sanchez criticized what he called Israel's "disproportionate response" in the Gaza war, saying it risks "destabilizing the Middle East, and as a consequence, the entire world".
On Wednesday, he reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to a two-state solution and outlined three priorities: keeping the Palestinian crisis in public consciousness, supporting the Palestinian Authority in shaping governance, and coordinating with European, Arab, and international partners to establish security conditions that can “end violence once and for all.”
Sanchez concluded that “Spain and Palestine will always walk hand in hand,” expressing hope that Abbas’ visit would build bridges, seek solutions within international law, and strengthen bilateral ties.
In May of 2024, Spain, Norway and Ireland announced recognition of the “State of Palestine”.