Post by : Naveen Mittal

Photo: X / sahouraxo

Spain PM Calls for Israel Ban from International Sports

Spain Demands Action Against Israel

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for Israel to be banned from all international sports competitions. He said Israel should not be allowed to use global platforms to improve its image while war and suffering continue in Gaza.

Sánchez compared Israel to Russia, which was banned from sports after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Speaking to members of his Socialist Workers’ Party, he said the same rule should apply to Israel now.

Israel Strongly Reacts

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar sharply criticized Sánchez, calling him “a disgrace.” He also accused the Spanish leader of encouraging pro-Palestinian protests in Madrid.

The protests, which were massive and drew about 100,000 people, caused the cancellation of the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race, where an Israeli team was competing.

Spanish Ministers Back Protests

Other Spanish ministers supported the protests. Digital Transformation Minister Óscar López said he was proud that so many people stood up for Gaza. He openly called Israel’s actions “genocide,” adding that it should be named as such.

Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun also called for Israel to be banned from the Eurovision Song Contest. Earlier this year, Sánchez himself had made the same demand. Public broadcasters from Ireland and the Netherlands have already announced they will boycott Eurovision if Israel takes part, citing “appalling” civilian suffering in Gaza.

Rising Tensions Between Spain and Israel

Relations between Spain and Israel have been tense since late 2023. That year, Sánchez raised concerns over civilian deaths in Gaza, and some Spanish ministers pushed for breaking diplomatic ties with Israel.

In 2024, Spain officially recognized a Palestinian state, along with Norway and Ireland. Recently, Sánchez accused Israel of committing genocide and announced new steps against it, including an arms embargo.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Saar responded by accusing the Spanish government of antisemitism and using hateful language against Israel.

Public Opinion in Spain

A new survey by Spain’s Elcano Royal Institute showed that 82% of Spaniards believe genocide is happening in Gaza. This strong public opinion has given more support to Sánchez’s firm stance against Israel.

EU’s Growing Pressure

Two days after Sánchez’s speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also criticized Israel. She called for suspending free trade agreements and support programs with Israel. She said Gaza is suffering from a “man-made famine” and warned Europe has failed to give a strong answer to Israel’s actions.

Israel Denies Responsibility for Starvation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied that starvation is happening in Gaza. He claims hunger exists because of Hamas and aid agencies failing to distribute supplies.

Israel says hundreds of aid trucks are waiting at Gaza’s border but not being collected. However, the UN and aid organizations have accused Israel of blocking or severely restricting entry of food and medicine.

In August, the UN-backed IPC confirmed that famine exists in parts of Gaza. Under international law, as the occupying power, Israel is responsible for protecting civilians and preventing starvation, but critics say it is failing to do so.

Human Cost of War

Israel’s war in Gaza began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.

Since then, more than 64,800 people have been killed in Gaza, nearly half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The destruction has left millions displaced and pushed the region to the edge of collapse.

Growing Isolation for Israel

Sánchez’s call to ban Israel from sports marks another step in the international pushback against its actions in Gaza. With Spain’s recognition of Palestine, growing protests, and European leaders raising concerns, Israel faces more pressure on the world stage.

Whether or not Israel will be barred from global sports remains to be seen, but the demand shows the rising anger in Europe against its military campaign.