Spanish PM Calls for Israel's Exclusion from International Sports Amid Gaza Crisis

Wed Oct 22 2025 03:54:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Pedro Sánchez urges that Israel be barred from international sporting events, likening its actions in Gaza to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The call has sparked strong reactions, including condemnation from Israeli officials.

Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has called for Israel to be excluded from international sporting competitions due to its actions in Gaza, likening the situation to the treatment of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. His remarks sparked backlash from Israeli officials and coincided with large pro-Palestinian protests in Spain. Several Spanish government ministers backed Sánchez's position, emphasizing the public's support for the Palestinian cause amid accusations of genocide in Gaza.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for Israel to be excluded from international sports competitions over its actions in Gaza.

Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image, he told elected representatives of his Socialist Workers' Party.

Sánchez stated that Israel should be treated in the same way as Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

On Sunday, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar referred to the Spanish prime minister as a disgrace and accused him of inciting pro-Palestinian protests in Madrid, which disrupted the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race, in which an Israeli team was participating.

Earlier in the day, Sánchez had said that previous protests during the three-week race had shown that Spain shines as an example, with pride on the Gaza issue.

Several Spanish ministers also praised the protest that drew about 100,000 people, according to official figures. Óscar López, minister of digital transformation, described it as a relief that so many people mobilized against what he termed genocide.

Israel has regularly denied claims that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide, asserting they are justified as self-defense.

Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun echoed Sánchez’s earlier calls for Israel to be barred from the next Eurovision Song Contest, a sentiment also supported by public broadcasters in Ireland and the Netherlands, who threatened to boycott the event if Israel participates due to the situation in Gaza.

The strained relationship between Israel and Spain has been evident since late 2023, with Sánchez expressing concern over civilian casualties in Gaza and calls for severing diplomatic ties. Spain recognized a Palestinian state in 2024, deepening the rift further.

A poll by the Elcano Royal Institute found that 82% of Spaniards believe genocide is occurring in Gaza.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently called for a suspension of trade and support with Israel, lamenting Europe's inadequate response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The situation remains critical as Israel continues military operations, with casualties surpassing 64,000 in Gaza since the conflict escalated in October 2023.