Rabat – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has accused the West of exhibiting “double standards” in its response to the crises in Gaza and Ukraine. Speaking at NATO’s 75th anniversary summit in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, Sanchez emphasized the need for a consistent political position that uniformly upholds international law.
“If we are telling our people that we are supporting Ukraine because we are defending international law, this is the same to what we have to do towards Gaza,” Sanchez said, as reported by AFP. He urged NATO allies to demonstrate the same unity and consistency regarding Israel’s war on Gaza as they have shown in their support for Ukraine with Russia’s invasion.
Sanchez’s remarks come in the wake of heightened criticism of Israel’s atrocities in Gaza. The Prime Minister, who has previously recognized Palestinian statehood and condemned Israel’s conduct in the war, called for an immediate and urgent ceasefire to address the severe humanitarian crisis affecting the Palestinian territories.
“We cannot be accused of applying double standards that would weaken our support for Ukraine. On the contrary, we demand the same unity and consistency for Gaza as we do in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” Sanchez asserted, urging NATO to adopt a coherent stance that resonates with citizens and upholds international law uniformly.
The Spanish leader also stressed the importance of pressing for an international peace conference aimed at establishing a Palestinian state.
In late May, Spain, Ireland, and Norway collectively announced their formal recognition of Palestine as an independent state, a move that prompted Israel to recall its ambassadors in Dublin and Oslo.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn widespread condemnation, with Israel accused of war crimes in international courts and by numerous countries and global watchdogs. The devastating bombardment, entering its 10th month, has resulted in over 38,000 deaths and at least 88,000 injuries. Additionally, a recent report by British journal The Lancet predicts the death toll of being even higher at 186,000, after accounting for all bodies still under the rubble.
The blockade on food, water, and aid shipments has created famine conditions throughout Gaza, with many, especially children, dying from malnutrition.
