In a recent interview, Spanish minister Ione Belarra, leader of the far-left Podemos party, has called on the international community to sanction Israel for what she describes as a “planned genocide” of Palestinians in Gaza. Belarra also criticizes world leaders for their apparent double standard, pointing out the deafening silence on the victims of Israeli bombardment compared to the condemnation of human rights abuses in Ukraine. She urges Spain and other nations to break off diplomatic relations with Israel as a form of protest against its assault on Gaza.
Belarra’s statement comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began when Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack in Israel, killing over 1,000 Israelis and taking hundreds captive. In response, Israel started bombarding Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 10,000 people, including many children. Spain has been directly affected by the crisis, with one of its citizens, Ivan Illarramendi, being kidnapped by Hamas and later reported dead.
Belarra draws attention to the European Union’s quick response in sanctioning Russian President Vladimir Putin and his aides following the invasion of Ukraine, suggesting that similar action should be taken against Israel. She calls for economic sanctions on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his political circle, referring to him as a “war criminal.” Belarra also demands that the politicians responsible for approving bombing campaigns that target civilian populations be brought before the International Criminal Court to face trial.
Podemos, Belarra’s political party, is part of Spain’s acting left-wing coalition government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The Spanish government has called for a truce, the release of hostages taken during the Hamas attack, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In an effort to support the civilian population of Gaza, Spain has announced that it will double its aid to $43 million.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has sparked protests across Europe, with thousands of demonstrators demanding a ceasefire. In Spain, pro-Palestinian marches have taken place without any official restrictions, in contrast to neighboring France, where such marches have been banned. Belarra criticizes European governments for “criminalizing” the pro-Palestinian movement and praises Spain for maintaining a more dignified position.
While Spain has a good relationship with Israel, it also sympathizes with the Palestinian cause, similar to other European countries like Ireland. Spain only established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1986 but has made gestures of sympathy, such as offering Spanish citizenship to Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492. Belarra’s views, however, differ from the official stance of the Spanish government, which has been more balanced in its approach.
Overall, Belarra’s call for sanctions against Israel and her condemnation of world leaders for their perceived hypocrisy shed light on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the differing perspectives within Europe. The article highlights Spain’s position as somewhat of an outlier, maintaining sympathy towards the Palestinian cause while also maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel.
