The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has appeared in the plenary session of the Congress of Deputies to explain Spain’s position in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The appearance coincides in time with the open diplomatic crisis with Israel, which began after the visit of the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, to the Rafah crossing and increased after the President of the Government showed his doubts about whether Israel was complying with the law. International Humanitarian. Since that moment, the Israeli ambassador to Spain remains in Tel Aviv, where she was called for consultations.
In statements to the media before starting the plenary session, Albares ruled out that Spain was going to withdraw our ambassador to Israel, Ana Salomón. “What we are looking for, of course, is to help peace, stability, and prosperity return to the Middle East.” Furthermore, he assured that relations are good, that last Sunday he spoke with his Israeli counterpart, El Cohen, again.
With this context, Albares made an appearance of more than half an hour, where he defended the Executive’s position. Although it is true that he has juggled to try to ensure that his words, consistent with the Executive’s position since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, did not aggravate the crisis. Thus, although he has once again called for International Humanitarian Law, he has strongly condemned the attack by the Palestinian insurgent force.
His words, endorsed by his Government partners with applause, have coincided in time with a moment in which two citizens located in the guest gallery have displayed Palestinian flags and shouted slogans such as: “Long live the struggle of the Palestinian people, long live freedom, down with Zionism”
Beyond that anecdote, during his appearance the minister outlined all the moments in which, throughout these two months of crisis in the Middle East, Spain has been a leader in international discourse. “We have assumed the leadership role from the beginning,” he stated.
He recalled that Spain was “the first country that raised its voice to say that European cooperation with Palestine could not be suspended, on the contrary, it had to increase.” He also revealed: “The President of the Government and I began diplomatic contacts with our European and international partners aimed at condemning the Hamas terrorist attack against Israel.” Likewise, he recalled that Spain was the first country to request “a humanitarian ceasefire”, as well as “the holding of an international peace conference.”
This idea has already been endorsed by both the European Union and the Arab League. However, all international entities recognize that this is not the time to start these conversations. Although all agents recognize that the solution involves the recognition of a Palestinian State, they disagree about the role of Hamas. The EU has demanded its disappearance from the Gaza Strip, while Arab countries refrain from commenting on the presence of the terrorist force in the area.
“Spain raises the flag of peace,” he insisted, defending that “the actions of the Government are consistent with the most resounding condemnation of terrorism; with the defense of International Law and International Humanitarian Law, with the protection of civilian populations.”
Although the minister has asked for unity in the Chamber, the response from the spokespersons of the other parties has demonstrated the lack of unity in the face of the conflict. Thus, Esteban González Pons, of the PP, has assured that “it is strident that President Sánchez accuses Israel of killing civilians without demanding the immediate dissolution of Hamas.” Pepa Abellán, from Vox, has been tougher, who has assured that she is “very ashamed” to know that the name of Spain “is being trampled by a position complicit with someone who murdered children and women on October 7.”
