Spain Says Israel Applies 'Gaza Strategy' in Lebanon

JAKARTA - Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares accused Israel of implementing the same military strategy in southern Lebanon as in the Gaza Strip.

Therefore, he emphasized that Israel could not maintain normal relations with the European Union (EU) amid ongoing human rights violations.

"This will be very serious for the stability of the Middle East and for Israel's own security," Albares told public broadcaster RTVE, quoted by Anadolu, on Monday, April 20.

He explained that the situation in Lebanon reflects the pattern of "preventing normal life for Lebanese citizens, destroying civilian infrastructure, blatant violations of international law, orders for the forced displacement of residents so that they cannot return, as well as attacks by both sides on UN forces in Lebanon."

The situation, according to Albares, shows that Israel is trying to take control of part of the sovereign country.

He warned Israel "is leading the Middle East to an eternal war."

Albares also reiterated Spain's insistence that the EU suspend its association agreement with Israel, which he will fight for at the EU foreign ministers' meeting on Tuesday (21/4).

"Israel must understand that they cannot have normal relations when human rights are blatantly violated," he said.

Not interfering in Hormuz

Turning to the wider regional conflict, Albares said Spain would not participate in any military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, whose situation is still tense despite a temporary ceasefire agreed between Iran, the United States (US), and Israel.

"We will not take part in any military operation in the strait," he said.

Last week, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain and France would lead a peacekeeping mission to protect the Strait of Hormuz after the fighting in the region ended.

Albares called for the maritime lane to return to being "a free, safe, and open lane for all ships without discrimination".

He also urged Iran to continue negotiations with the US, through Pakistani mediation, to avoid further escalation.