Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called Europe’s response to the war in Gaza a “failure,” warning that the West’s credibility is at risk due to “double standards” compared to its reaction to the war in Ukraine. He described the response to Israel’s actions as one of the “darkest episodes of international relations in the 21st century.”
Concerns Over Western Credibility
In an interview with The Guardian, Sánchez stated that while the causes of the two wars are different, the world is watching Europe and questioning why it is using “double standards” for Ukraine and Gaza. He expressed satisfaction that other countries are following Spain’s lead in recognizing a Palestinian state but admitted that Europe’s overall response has been weak.
Critique of Trump and U.S. Policy
Sánchez also criticized the United States under Donald Trump, saying he is trying to dismantle the global rules-based order that America itself created after World War II. Despite his differences with Trump—who has previously demanded that allies spend 5% of their GDP on defense—Sánchez maintained that Spain remains a “reliable partner” within NATO and is committed to a pragmatic relationship with the U.S. regardless of who is in the White House.
