spain’s Longstanding Support for Palestinians Fuels Diplomatic Tensions wiht Israel
Madrid – A recent surge in diplomatic friction between Spain and Israel, triggered by the cancellation of a cycling race amid pro-Palestinian protests, underscores decades of past and political alignment between Spain and the Palestinian cause.Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar directly blamed Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for “inciting” demonstrations that led to the race’s disruption, referencing past statements critical of Israel’s actions. This escalating dispute highlights a complex relationship rooted in historical ties, political solidarity, and diverging views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The current tensions are not isolated. Spain has consistently been a strong advocate for Palestinian statehood within the European Union, a position stemming from a confluence of factors including historical connections, domestic political considerations, and a perceived moral obligation to support the Palestinian people. This support has manifested in various forms, from recognizing Palestinian statehood in 2014 – a non-binding symbolic gesture followed by calls for EU-wide recognition - to providing substantial humanitarian aid and consistently voting in favor of resolutions supporting Palestinian rights at the United Nations.
Spain’s historical connection to Palestine dates back centuries, beginning with Al-Andalus, the period of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula which ended in 1492. This shared history fostered cultural and intellectual exchange, and a sense of affinity with the Arab world, including Palestine.Following the creation of the State of Israel in 1948, Spain initially maintained a cautious distance, influenced by its own recent experience with dictatorship under Francisco Franco. However, with the transition to democracy in the 1970s, Spain began to more openly express its sympathy for the Palestinian cause.
In recent years, Spain’s commitment has deepened. In November 2023, Sánchez stated he regretted not having an atomic bomb to “stop Israel,” a comment made during a televised interview discussing the conflict in Gaza. While intended to express outrage at the scale of civilian casualties,the remark drew sharp condemnation from Israeli officials. Spain has also been a vocal critic of Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, deeming it illegal under international law.
Spanish aid to Palestinians, channeled through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other organizations, totaled over €120 million between 2005 and 2022, according to Spanish government data. This funding supports essential services such as healthcare, education, and humanitarian assistance for Palestinian refugees.
The current diplomatic fallout, sparked by the Vuelta a España cycling race cancellation, serves as a potent reminder of the enduring and often fraught relationship between Spain and Israel. Analysts predict the dispute will likely intensify pressure on Sánchez’s government to balance its commitment to Palestinian rights with maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel, notably within the framework of the EU. Further escalation could involve reciprocal diplomatic measures or a reassessment of bilateral agreements, potentially impacting trade and security cooperation.
