Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has launched a blistering attack on the European Union's handling of the war in Gaza, declaring the collective response a profound and damaging "failure" that has shattered the bloc's credibility on the world stage.
In a stark address that laid bare deep European divisions, Sanchez condemned the EU's inability to forge a unified, effective stance. He argued that this internal disarray has resulted in a catastrophic lack of influence, preventing Europe from meaningfully curbing the violence or alleviating the immense human suffering in the besieged Palestinian territory.
A Crisis of Leadership and Morality
Sanchez did not mince words, framing the issue as both a strategic blunder and a moral crisis. He pointed to the staggering civilian death toll and the widespread destruction in Gaza as direct consequences of international inaction, for which Europe must bear significant responsibility.
"Our response has been insufficient, slow, and fragmented," he stated, suggesting that the EU's dithering has effectively emboldened the continuation of the conflict. The Spanish leader's comments are a direct challenge to more cautious EU members and represent a significant ramping-up of diplomatic pressure from a major European power.
Spain's Isolated Stance
The remarks further cement Spain's position as one of Israel's most vocal critics within the EU. Sanchez's government has already taken symbolic national steps, such as moving to recognise Palestinian statehood—a decision that has placed it at odds with key allies like Germany, which maintains a staunchly pro-Israel position.
This growing rift highlights the near-impossible task for EU diplomats trying to craft a common position that reconciles the vastly different historical perspectives and foreign policy priorities of its 27 member states.
The Path Forward: A Call for Coherent Action
Looking ahead, Sanchez issued an urgent call for a radical overhaul of the European approach. He demanded a coherent, decisive strategy centred on three key pillars:
- An immediate and permanent ceasefire to end the bloodshed.
- A massive and unhindered surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza to address the famine-like conditions.
- A renewed and serious political push for a two-state solution as the only viable long-term path to peace.
Sanchez warned that without such a unified and assertive shift, Europe risks permanent irrelevance in Middle Eastern geopolitics and continued complicity in a humanitarian disaster.
