Spain, Ireland Hail EU New Sanctions on Israel

(MENAFN) Spain and Ireland on Wednesday expressed strong support for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement of new punitive measures against Israel due to its ongoing offensive in Gaza.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares took to the social media platform X to affirm Madrid’s backing of the proposed steps, emphasizing they “are supported by the overwhelmingly majority sentiment of the Spanish people.”

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin also praised the initiative, calling von der Leyen’s plan to suspend the EU-Israeli Association Agreement “a very significant development.”

Speaking to reporters, Martin condemned the situation, stating: “The situation in Gaza is absolutely catastrophic, without any moral justification. The slaughter of innocent civilians, of women and children, starvation of a population... violates all international legal norms.”

He added, “I welcome the fact that the European Commission is saying that Europe cannot be paralyzed by inaction in relation to the catastrophe that is Gaza.”

During her plenary address earlier Wednesday, von der Leyen outlined a series of measures targeting Israel. These include halting bilateral assistance, partially suspending the trade-related Association Agreement, and imposing sanctions on extremist ministers and violent settlers.

Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign has claimed more than 64,600 Palestinian lives, devastating Gaza and driving much of the population toward starvation.

Notably, Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognized a Palestinian state in May 2024, underscoring their commitment amid escalating regional tensions.

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