Spanish PM Sanchez Criticizes Europe's Response To Gaza As A 'Failure'

JAKARTA - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticized Europe's response to the conflict in Gaza as a "failty", saying it could undermine the bloc's credibility on the world stage.

Speaking before a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London Wednesday, the first European leader to accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza told The Guardian the conflict was "one of the darkest episodes of international relations in the 21st century."

"This is a failure," he said, launching Daily Sabah September 4.

"Of course. In fact, within the European Union, there are countries that are divided in terms of how to influence Israel," he continued.

"But in my opinion, it is unacceptable and we cannot last much longer if we want to increase our credibility in facing other crises, as we face in Ukraine," he added.

PM Sanchez's comments came days after health authorities said 31 people were killed in an attack on the Gaza Strip while Israel continued to launch a massive military offensive.

On Monday, Foreign Minister David Lemmy told parliament the UK still intends to recognize the Palestinian State in September, joining Spain and other European countries.

PM Sanchez said the United States, under President Donald Trump, was ending an international order built after World War II.

However, he argues that the withdrawal of the US from major institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) could create opportunities for Europe and the UK to take over greater global leadership.

"The most surprising reality we face is that the main architect of the international order, namely the US after World War II, is now weakening this international order, and that is something that will not have a positive impact on the US society or the whole world, especially Western countries," said PM Sanchez.

"That's why I think there is an opportunity for the European Union and also for Britain," he said.

He also talked about "the dilemma" that Western people were increasingly facing when deciding how to deal with immigration.

"I believe most Spanish people understand very well that migration is also an opportunity and not just a moral obligation," Sanchez said.

"This is an opportunity to effectively respond to the challenges we face in terms of economic growth and labor markets or help fund our current and future welfare countries."