Madrid: Spain on Wednesday welcomed the European Commission's proposal to partially suspend the EU's partnership agreement with the Israeli occupation authorities and impose sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told reporters that the Spanish government supported European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal to partially suspend the trade agreement, "though Spain is looking forward to its full suspension."
According to Kuwait News Agency, Albares emphasized that von der Leyen has Spain's full backing for advancing with the partial suspension of the agreement. He highlighted that she has the endorsement of all the Spanish people who desire "peace, justice, and dignity for the Palestinian people and an end to the massacre of innocents in Gaza." Moreover, Albares welcomed the imposition of sanctions on extremist ministers in the Israeli government who are obstructing the two-state solution.
He noted that Spain has long demanded these measures, asserting that "thanks to Spain's leadership and influence within the European Union in defending innocent civilians in Gaza, these issues are finally beginning to be put on the table." Earlier today, Von der Leyen stated that the Commission would propose imposing sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers and a partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. She also mentioned that the Commission would establish a donor group for the Palestinians next month, including a tool for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.