Spanish premier blasts opposition for aligning with Israel's Netanyahu to spoil peace efforts in Gaza

ISTANBUL

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday accused the main opposition Popular Party (PP) of siding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an intense parliamentary session, which he said is undermining international peace efforts in the Gaza Strip.

Sanchez made his remarks during a heated debate on the floor of the Spanish Parliament, where he condemned the PP's recent actions, which he said are impacting the country's foreign policy negatively.

Directly addressing PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, Sanchez derided the impact of far-right leaders such as Netanyahu on the party's strategy as opposition.

"Hear the one with the chainsaw, Clean Hands, Netanyahu, the entire far-right (are) designing the opposition policy of the Popular Party. Mud, mud, and more mud, Mr. Feijoo," Sanchez exclaimed, using vivid imagery to describe what he perceives as the PP's morally and politically compromised position.

He cited a controversial photograph of Santiago Abascal, the leader of the far-right Vox party, standing alongside Netanyahu.

The photo, taken during a meeting where Abascal reportedly encouraged Netanyahu to continue military actions in Gaza and Rafah, has sparked widespread backlash.

Sanchez seized on this imagery to magnify his criticism, asking Feijoo rhetorically: "By the way, what do you think about the photo of Mr. Abascal with Mr. Netanyahu yesterday, encouraging him to continue the bombings in Gaza and Rafah?"

"This is a government, Mr. Feijoo, that is free, that defends peace and international law, and you are slaves to your pacts with the far right,” he lambasted.

Spanish president also stressed that his administration is committed to upholding "international" standards and supporting the "recognition of the State of Palestine."

As the conflict in Gaza continues to unfold with recent escalations in Rafah drawing widespread condemnation and calls for peace, Sanchez's remarks reflect broader concerns about the role of international diplomacy and the ethical responsibilities of political leaders.

Ireland, Norway and Spain on Tuesday formally recognized Palestine as a state.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also announced the development, saying: "This is a historic decision that has a single goal — to contribute to achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians."

When asked how he would respond to Israel's recent diplomatic attacks against Spain, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told journalists on Tuesday that Spain will deliver a "coordinated, serene and firm response," alongside Norway and Ireland.