Spain’s foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, condemned a video posted by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz as “scandalous and execrable.” The video, which features the Spanish flag, flamenco dancers, and footage of Hamas fighters, sarcastically thanks Spain for its stance on the Gaza conflict. This followed Spain’s announcement to recognize Palestine as a state and comments by Spanish officials labeling the Gaza conflict a genocide.
Albares emphasized Spain’s condemnation of Hamas’s actions and criticized the use of Spanish cultural symbols in the video. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles and Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz have described the situation in Gaza as a genocide, comments that have been strongly rejected by Israel. Israel argues it is defending itself against Hamas, which it blames for initiating the violence with a massacre on October 7.
In response to Spain and other countries recognizing Palestine, Israel recalled its ambassadors, accusing these nations of rewarding terrorism. Robles clarified that Spain’s recognition of Palestine aims to help end the violence, not oppose Israel.
Source – CGTN