Pedro Sanchez has accused Israel of ‘once again violating international law’ following the interception of a civilian flotilla bound for Gaza, and has urged the EU to take immediate action.
Writing on X, Sanchez said Israel had ‘violated international law’ by boarding the vessels in waters ‘that do not belong to it.’
It comes after Israeli forces detained 175 activists of various nationalities near the Greek coast. Around 30 of those detained are Spanish citizens.
The flotilla was reportedly heading towards Gaza when it was stopped at sea, triggering a diplomatic response from Madrid.
Sanchez said: ‘Israel is once again violating international law by assaulting a civilian flotilla in waters that do not belong to it.
‘Our Government is doing everything necessary to protect and assist the detained Spaniards. But that is not enough.
‘The EU must suspend the association agreement NOW and demand that Netanyahu comply with the law of our seas.’
The incident has added to growing tensions within the EU over how to respond to Israel’s actions in the region, particularly as pressure mounts for a stronger and more unified stance.
Chaos in Barcelona
A protest in Barcelona against Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla ended in clashes with police after tensions escalated outside the Israeli consulate.
Around 400 people gathered on Thursday evening in Plaça de Sants, according to the city’s Guardia Urbana, to demand the release of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were detained earlier in the day by Israeli forces.
The demonstration, organised by groups including Open Arms and Prou Complicitat, moved towards the Israeli consulate on Gran Via de Carles III.
Protesters carried Palestinian flags, held banners and chanted slogans such as ‘Boycott Israel’ and ‘Israel is not a country, it is an occupation.’
However, when they reached the area, Mossos d’Esquadra officers blocked access to the building. It was at this point that a group of masked individuals began throwing objects, including bottles and smoke canisters, at the police line.
Officers in riot gear responded with baton charges to disperse the group, bringing the protest to a tense end.
Speaking to media at the scene, Global Sumud Flotilla spokesperson Pablo Castilla described the interception of the vessels as a violation of international law.
He also criticised European border agency Frontex and Greek authorities for failing to respond to distress calls from the flotilla.
Organisers used the protest to call for stronger action from European institutions, including a suspension of ties with Israel and a full arms embargo.
