Spanish minister speaks of ‘genocide in Palestine’; Israel condemns ‘incitement to anti-Semitism’

This case should not improve relations between Madrid and Tel Aviv. A far-left Spanish minister has warned national companies set up in Israel of the “risk of contributing to genocide in Palestine,” prompting the ire of the Israeli embassy and a reorientation of the Foreign Ministry.

In a letter addressed to the companies and conveyed in a ministry press release, Social Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy calls on groups present in Israel to detail the measures taken to avoid “abuses that their activities may cause.” We must avoid allowing these activities to “contribute to the egregious human rights violations committed by the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories,” with “the risk of contributing to genocide in Palestine,” insists Pablo Bustinduy, a member of the far-left Sumar platform.

This press release provoked a strong reaction from the Israeli Embassy in Spain, which in a short press release assured that it “completely rejects the false accusations spread by some ministers, intellectuals and the media that Israel is committing genocide.” “The demonization and delegitimization of Israel through baseless accusations gives wings to Hamas and those who want the disappearance of the Israeli state, and is a clear incitement to hatred and anti-Semitism,” the embassy regrets.

The Spanish Foreign Ministry in a statement distanced itself from Pablo Bustinduy’s approach, saying it had not been informed of the existence of the letter. He also assured that the latter was not speaking on behalf of the “government.”

Spain harshly criticizes Israel

The term “genocide” has already been used several times in recent months by ministers from far-left groups allied with the socialists in the government of Pedro Sánchez. But this is the first time it has been used as part of a formal process.

It comes as Pedro Sánchez, considered the most critical European voice on Israel, is maneuvering to rally other European capitals around the idea of ​​recognizing a Palestinian state – something Madrid has not ruled out doing unilaterally. However, Sumar considers this approach insufficient, calling for sanctions against Israel. “They are killing children in Palestine” and the international community is “doing absolutely nothing,” Sumar leader Yolanda Diaz, the government’s number three, said on Sunday.

Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP report based on official data. According to Hamas, Israel’s response has so far resulted in the death of 34,844 people, as well as a humanitarian disaster and colossal destruction in the Gaza Strip.