Spain urges EU to impose sanctions on Israel to stop Gaza conflict

On September 19, 2025, in Egypt, Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, voiced the importance of the European Union collectively endorsing proposed sanctions against Israel. During remarks to the press while accompanying the Spanish royalty on a state visit, he emphasized that these sanctions should not be interpreted as an attack on Israel's existence but rather as a necessary measure to address the ongoing conflict. Albares highlighted the consensus among EU member states regarding the situation in Gaza, regardless of differing terminology used to describe it, suggesting there should be no reason to delay the imposition of sanctions. Albares reiterated that the proposed measures are directly related to the violence and humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, calling for a clear and unified response from the EU. He critiqued the notion of maintaining standard diplomatic relations with Israel while such severe issues are occurring, insisting that the EU's relationship with Israel must reflect respect for human rights and international law. This marks a significant diplomatic effort from Spain, which aims to galvanize other member states' support for the proposed sanctions and shift the narrative from mere passive observation to active response in light of the situation. The sanctions package suggested by the European Commission includes suspensions of reduced tariffs on certain imports and asset freezes on individuals deemed ‘extremists’ linked to the conflict. Despite Germany's hesitations, Albares urged all member states to recognize their shared responsibility in addressing the Gaza crisis. By characterizing the sanctions as peace-promoting actions rather than punitive measures against Israel, he hopes to garner broader acceptance among EU members. This appeal underscores the delicate balance European leaders must strike between advocating for Palestinian rights and addressing Israel's security concerns. As global sentiments increasingly favor a harder stance against Israel amid rising humanitarian concerns, the European Union faces pressure to implement actions that reflect its commitment to international law and human rights. Consistent with these objectives, Spain's position could influence further discussions within the EU, potentially reshaping its foreign policy approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.