Spanish PM condemns ‘routine massacres’ in Ukraine, Middle East

Madrid
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has strongly condemned the ongoing violence in Ukraine and the Middle East, referring to the “routine massacres” taking place in both regions.
Speaking at an award ceremony hosted by La Vanguardia newspaper on Monday, Sánchez stressed the urgent need for the international community to speak out against these atrocities and uphold international law.
“If the international community remains silent, we will raise our voices even more to defend international law and peace,” Sánchez declared during his speech, signaling Spain’s commitment to defending democratic values globally.
He emphasized that “those who hate democracy oppress it everywhere,” and that defending democracy requires collective action against forces that undermine it.
Sánchez’s comments come amid escalating violence in the Middle East and ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Israeli military continues its operations in Gaza despite a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire after October 7, 2023, attack.
The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 41,600, with most casualties being women and children, according to local reports. On the Israeli side, the war has claimed over 1,100 lives.
Meanwhile, since September 23, 2024, Israel has launched a series of airstrikes across Lebanon, focusing on Hezbollah targets.
These strikes have killed over 1,000 people, including several Hezbollah leaders, such as Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, and injured nearly 3,000.
The situation has further heightened fears that the conflict in Gaza could spill over into a broader regional war. On Monday, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that Israeli airstrikes over the previous 24 hours had claimed 95 lives, adding to the growing casualty list in Lebanon.
Spain, under Sánchez’s leadership, is one of the European nations that has officially recognized the State of Palestine, a move aimed at supporting peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
Sánchez’s call for global intervention reflects growing frustration with the lack of diplomatic progress in the Middle East and Ukraine, and his speech was a direct appeal for the international community to take a stronger stance against the violence in both regions.
Sánchez’s speech also touched on the broader challenges facing global democracy, stating that “enemies of democracy do not respect any rules.”
He described a relentless assault of lies and misinformation being used to weaken democratic institutions worldwide. His words echoed Spain’s broader commitment to supporting democratic governance and upholding international law as part of its foreign policy.
As violence in the Middle East continues to claim lives, with no immediate end in sight, the international community remains divided on how to address the escalating crises. Israel’s airstrikes in Lebanon, along with its military operations in Gaza, have drawn widespread condemnation, while the United Nations and other international bodies have called for cease-fires and peace negotiations to prevent further escalation.
Sánchez’s remarks underscore the urgency of these conflicts and the need for a global response. He urged the world to act swiftly, warning that continued inaction would only embolden the forces of oppression and violence.
“In the face of this challenge, we must step forward and defend democracy,” he concluded, reaffirming Spain’s commitment to advocating for peace and the protection of human rights on the global stage.