Spanish premier urges Europe to prevent Lebanon from becoming ‘new Gaza’

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged Europe to act to prevent Lebanon from becoming “a new Gaza,” calling for a unified European opposition to Israel’s actions.

“Let us not allow a 'new Gaza' in Lebanon, because in the face of flagrant violations of international humanitarian law, Europe must act consistently,” Sanchez said in a televised speech on Friday.

Sanchez called on the EU to apply the same standards all around the world and added: "If we also want the rest of the world to look up to us and to support us in the backing we are giving to Ukraine in its struggle for freedom.”

The premier renewed his call for suspension of the bloc's association agreement with Tel Aviv, a treaty that was signed in 1995, governing trade and political cooperation.

In a post on the US social media company X on Wednesday, Sanchez called for Lebanon to be fully included in the ceasefire reached with Iran.

He further underscored the need for accountability, saying: "There must be no impunity for these criminal acts."