Europe (Washington Insider Magazine)—The European Union’s relations with Israel have been severely strained as Spain and Ireland, both EU member states, prepare to officially recognize a Palestinian state. This move and Spain’s suggestion of possible sanctions against Israel over its ongoing attacks on Rafah in the Gaza Strip have heightened diplomatic tensions.
Israeli response
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded to Spain’s moves by announcing that the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem would no longer be allowed to serve Palestinians. Katz accused Spain of “rewarding terrorism” by recognizing a Palestinian state and referred to historical abuses such as the Spanish Inquisition.
The EU’s position
According to Sandiegouniontribune, Spanish EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell simultaneously expressed his full support for the International Criminal Court, whose prosecutor has requested an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other individuals, including Hamas officials,
Escalation of Violence
While the EU has condemned the Hamas-led attack on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and around 250 people captured, it has also criticized Israel’s subsequent offensive. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that more than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli response, with recent attacks concentrated on Rafah.
International Reactions
The International Court of Justice demanded an immediate halt to Israel’s offensive on Rafah but did not order a ceasefire. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares echoed this demand, calling for an end to the attacks.
Formal Recognition and Diplomatic Fallout
Spain, Ireland, and Norway are set to formalize their recognition of a Palestinian state. This move has provoked strong reactions from Israeli authorities, who summoned the ambassadors of these countries in Tel Aviv and showed them videos of the October 7 Hamas attack. Albares criticized this treatment as a breach of diplomatic protocol but reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to recognizing the Palestinian state and pursuing a ceasefire and lasting peace.
The recognition of a Palestinian state by Ireland and Spain marks a significant point of contention in EU-Israel relations, contributing to escalating diplomatic tensions and a complex geopolitical landscape.
