MADRID, Sunday, May 26, 2024 (WAFA) — Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles has described the situation in Gaza as an "authentic genocide" on – marking the first time that a minister from her party has used the term.
Previously, only government ministers from Spain's far-left junior coalition party Sumar have described Israel’s aggression on Gaza as such.
Speaking to Spanish broadcaster RTE from a military parade in the northern city of Oviedo, she said Spain cannot ignore the situation in Gaza, emphasizing that “peace” is the priority of Spain’s armed forces and the government.
Tensions in bilateral relations between the Israeli occupation and Madrid have escalated after Norway, Ireland, and Spain officially announced their recognition of Palestine as of May 28.
Before this development, eight EU member states recognized Palestine: Bulgaria, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, and Sweden.
Commenting on her government's recognition of Palestine, Rubles said, "This is a step towards achieving peaceful coexistence and ending violence in Gaza."
She pointed out that "the Spanish armed forces are operating on the Israeli-Lebanese border in a UN-led peacekeeping mission."
Rubles concluded her remarks by saying that "this participation will make Spain a significant contributor to bringing peace back to the region when the time comes."
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