Spain and Belgium Condemn Israel for Thousands of Deaths in Gaza

Spain and Belgium have condemned Israel for the deaths of thousands in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the killing of innocent civilians, including children, utterly unacceptable.

During a visit near Gaza, he demanded international and Israeli recognition of Palestine's statehood, emphasizing the cycle of violence must end.

Both Sanchez and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, after meeting Egypt's President in Cairo, criticized the Gaza destruction and insisted on adherence to humanitarian law.

They echoed Gaza's Hamas-led figures, suggesting around 15,000 deaths, with Israel countering that Hamas is responsible for approximately 1,200 deaths, mainly Israeli civilians.

De Croo stated the civilian death toll must end, while UNRWA reported that nearly 80% of Gazans have been displaced since the Israeli invasion. Sanchez shared that several international organizations are calling for a peace conference to resolve the conflict.

Israel, responding to the criticism, summoned the Belgian and Spanish ambassadors for a stern rebuke and accused the leaders of supporting terrorism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu further condemned the remarks and accused Hamas of using Palestinians as human shields and committing crimes against humanity.

Since the conflict began on October 7, several countries, including Belize and Bolivia, have severed diplomatic ties with Israel, while Turkey, Colombia, Chile, and Honduras have recalled their ambassadors. Israel also recalled its ambassador to South Africa after Pretoria withdrew its diplomats from Israel.