Emmanuel Thomas l Sunday, October 05, 2025
MADRID — Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister, Yolanda Díaz, has issued a forceful public plea for the European Union to cancel all partnership agreements with Israel, escalating the diplomatic tension over the ongoing military operation in Gaza.
In a scathing statement, Ms. Díaz, who also serves as Minister of Labor and Social Economy, called on the European community to take a stronger stance against the actions of the Israeli government.
“I would like to send a message to the European community: we want more. We must cancel all partnership agreements with ‘israel,’” she stated.
The Deputy Prime Minister accused Israel of “killing Palestinian children and violating international law” and specifically mentioned the alleged targeting of Spanish activists and others from around the world.
Ms. Díaz went further, characterizing the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “illegitimate” and asserting that it “violates humanitarian law, and is committing a genocide broadcast live — yet the European Union does nothing.”
Her criticism centered on what she perceives as the EU’s inaction, warning that history would ultimately pass judgment. “History will judge us, because Netanyahu’s regime — wanted for war crimes — is being allowed to commit these acts,” she said.
The call for the termination of partnership agreements, which govern a wide range of political and economic cooperation between the EU and Israel, marks a significant escalation from a leading European official.
Ms. Díaz concluded her demands by calling for the “immediate release of Spanish citizens detained by ‘israel’.” The nature and circumstances of the detentions were not immediately specified in the statement.
The comments from Ms. Díaz underscore the growing rifts within the European Union regarding its response to the conflict, with some member states calling for firmer action while others emphasize Israel’s right to self-defense.
