Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s Prime Minister, has called for Israel to be excluded from international sports competitions in light of its actions in Gaza. He stated that Israel must not be allowed to use international platforms to improve its image, comparing its situation to that of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in two thousand and twenty-two. Sánchez made these remarks to his political party, the Socialist Workers’ Party, amidst ongoing protests in Spain regarding the Gaza situation.

The call for exclusion comes after protests in Madrid led to the cancellation of the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race, where an Israeli team was participating. Sánchez noted that these protests demonstrated pride in Spain’s stance on the Gaza issue. Notably, around one hundred thousand people attended the protests, with Óscar López, the Minister of Digital Transformation, stating that it was a relief to see thousands mobilising against what he called genocide.

In addition, Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun reiterated Sánchez’s earlier call for Israel’s disqualification from the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, amidst statements from public broadcasters in Ireland and the Netherlands, who have indicated they will not participate if Israel is included. The relationship between Israel and Spain has deteriorated since late twenty twenty-three, particularly after Sánchez’s past remarks on civilian casualties.

Recent polling by the Elcano Royal Institute revealed that at least eighty-two per cent of Spaniards believe genocide is occurring in Gaza. The situation remains tense, with accusations from Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, characterising Sánchez’s government as antisemitic and using harmful rhetoric. Uproar continues over claims of famine in Gaza, with both the European Commission President and UN authorities drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.