Sánchez conveys to Netanyahu Spain's condemnation of Hamas attacks and the need to protect the civilian population in Gaza

Jerusalem (Israel)

As part of his first international trip after being sworn in as president, Pedro Sánchez began a trip to the Middle East in Israel today, which in itself shows the importance the Government of Spain attaches to this conflict. The trip continues in Palestine and will end in Egypt this Friday, with the aim of holding talks with the sides involved in this crisis, which was triggered by the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas in Israel on 7 October. Pedro Sánchez is conducting this visit together with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander de Croo. Spain currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, and will hand the baton to Belgium in January.

In this context, the two leaders held a meeting in Jerusalem with the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, and the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and President Sánchez was able to convey his condolences and condemnation of the terrorist attacks. Since the beginning of this crisis, and on numerous occasions, the Government of Spain has conveyed its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.

Pedro Sánchez stressed both points during the two meetings, and conveyed to the Israeli president and prime minister his concern about the terrible situation in Gaza. "The response must not involve the death of innocent people in Gaza, including thousands of children," said the president, who also defended the two-state solution as "the best way to defeat terrorism and guarantee Israel's security". On the two occasions, Pedro Sánchez has thereby conveyed Spain's proposal for an international peace conference with the parties involved, an initiative that already enjoys broad international support.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, during his visit to the kibbutz Beri a J'lem with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander de Croo | Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

Furthermore, the President of the Government stressed the importance of working in parallel with all the actors to be able to incorporate the necessary means to ensure that a crisis of this nature does not happen again.

Pedro Sánchez and Alexander De Croo then visited Kibbutz Beri a J'lem, and the President of the Government reiterated the international community's solidarity, empathy and commitment to the Israeli people vis-à-vis the attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October.

Non official translation