Israel Urges Spain and Belgium to Cease Support for Terrorism

Israel has urged Spain and Belgium to cease what it perceives as support for terrorism. This follows Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's suggestion that Spain might recognize Palestine as a state independently if global consensus isn't reached.

Israel's Foreign Ministry summoned the Spanish and Belgian ambassadors for a stern rebuke after their leaders made comments in Egypt seen as backing terrorism.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen denounced the statements by Sánchez and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo as false and indicative of terrorism support.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the sentiment, criticizing the leaders for not holding Hamas fully accountable for its actions, including targeting Israeli citizens and using Palestinians as shields.

The Israeli government maintains its actions are in self-defense against a group it views as more dangerous than ISIS, committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel vows to continue its campaign to dismantle Hamas's rule in Gaza following a temporary truce to exchange prisoners.

At the Rafah crossing, Sánchez called for Israel to adhere to international law and expressed hope for a lasting end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He announced Spain's willingness to recognize Palestine on its own if necessary. Similarly, De Croo emphasized the need for difficult political decisions, which includes advocating for the release of all hostages.