Spain’s Albares calls for EU unity over Gaza, amid deepening diplomatic tensions with Israel. Spain’s foreign minister since 2022.
King Felipe VI of Spain made remarks acknowledging the painful history of Spanish conquest in Mexico, emphasizing the importance of understanding it in context. The comments follow years of diplomatic tension over Spain's colonial legacy and calls for formal apologies from Mexico. The remarks do not constitute a formal apology.
Spain's government faces condemnation after a controversial effigy burning in El Burgo, which included antisemitic symbolism linked to Netanyahu. Israel responded by expelling Spain from a Gaza ceasefire coordination center, amid escalating diplomatic tensions over Spain's criticism of Israel and its stance on the Gaza conflict. The story highlights growing international disputes.
EU foreign ministers have requested discussion of suspending the 1995 EU‑Israel Association Agreement after Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have formally asked for the issue to be placed on the agenda. Member states remain divided: Germany and Italy are opposing suspension while France, Belgium and others are pushing targeted measures, and public pressure has surged following Israel's policies in Gaza, the West Bank and a new death‑penalty law.