Spain’s Bold Diplomatic Stance: Sánchez Calls Palestine a ‘Sister State’ and Escalates Genocide Accusation 

Spain’s Bold Diplomatic Stance: Sánchez Calls Palestine a ‘Sister State’ and Escalates Genocide Accusation 

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has dramatically escalated his nation’s diplomatic engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by hosting Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Madrid. In a move rich with symbolism and substance, Sánchez not only called Palestine a “sister state” but also renewed serious accusations of genocide against Israel. 

A Meeting Steeped in Symbolism 

The visual centerpiece of the visit was striking: Sánchez posted a photo on social media showing him walking hand-in-hand with Abbas at the Moncloa Palace, Spain’s prime ministerial residence. He captioned the image: “Spain will always walk hand in hand with Palestine. A friendly state. A sister state”. This physical gesture and terminology represented more than diplomatic courtesy—it signaled a profound political alignment that few European leaders have been willing to demonstrate so openly. 

During their joint news conference, Sánchez made one of his strongest statements to date: “Those responsible for this genocide must be held accountable, sooner or later, so that the victims can find justice, compensation and some peace”. He called for a “just and lasting peace based on coexistence” while urging full enforcement of the Gaza ceasefire, emphasizing that “that agreement must be real. It cannot be hollow”. 

The Context of Spain’s Evolving Position 

Sánchez’s meeting with Abbas represents the culmination of Spain’s increasingly vocal support for Palestinian statehood over the past year. In May 2024, Spain formally recognized the State of Palestine—a decision Sánchez referenced during the visit as foundational to their current relationship. 

This positioning isn’t occurring in isolation. Spain has been coordinating with other European nations, as evidenced by a July 2025 joint statement signed by Spain and 29 international partners criticizing Israeli actions in Gaza and calling for an immediate ceasefire. The statement condemned “the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians” and opposed “any steps towards territorial or demographic change in the Occupied Palestinian Territories”. 

Comparison of European Positions on Palestinian Statehood (as of December 2025) 

The Palestinian Perspective and Broader Diplomatic Landscape 

For Abbas, the Madrid visit represented significant diplomatic validation. He expressed gratitude for Spain’s recognition of Palestine and praised Madrid’s leadership in building “an international coalition aimed at expanding wave of recognitions of the State of Palestine”. He emphasized the need to implement United Nations resolutions and establish a Palestinian state “based on the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital”. 

The visit occurred against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. According to the Gaza Government Media Office, since the ceasefire began, Israeli fire has killed at least 377-386 people and injured 980 others. The conflict has resulted in staggering casualties overall, with reports indicating over 70,000 Palestinians killed and nearly 171,000-170,000 injured since October 2023. 

Beyond Rhetoric: Spain’s Practical Support 

Spain’s support extends beyond diplomatic statements. In October 2025, the Spanish government reinforced its political and financial support to the Palestinian Authority with a €2 million contribution through the EU PEGASE mechanism. This mechanism supports Palestinian civil servant salaries, hospitals in East Jerusalem, and vulnerable families. Since 2008, Spain has disbursed €115.3 million through this channel. 

This funding is particularly crucial as the Palestinian Authority faces financial collapse risks due to Israel withholding its tax revenues. Spain has helped launch the “Urgent Coalition for Palestine” alongside Saudi Arabia, Norway, and France—an initiative already joined by 12 countries aimed at ensuring the Palestinian Authority’s financial sustainability. 

The Complex Ceasefire Context and Hamas’s Position 

The Sánchez-Abbas meeting occurred as the Gaza ceasefire enters what mediators call a “critical phase”. The second phase of the agreement, brokered by the Trump administration, addresses Israeli withdrawal, Palestinian disarmament, and a formal end to the war. 

Interestingly, Hamas has signaled willingness to discuss disarmament but rejects outright surrender of weapons. Khaled Meshaal, head of Hamas abroad, told Al Jazeera the group seeks a “weapons freeze” rather than disarmament, potentially for “seven or 10 years”. Hamas proposes storing weapons under guarantees against Israeli attacks, with Meshaal arguing that “disarmament for a Palestinian means stripping away his very soul”. 

This position creates complications for the Palestinian Authority that Abbas leads, as it hopes to assume governance responsibilities in Gaza. The RAND Corporation notes in an analysis that “Hamas is part of the Palestinian polity” and isn’t disappearing despite Israeli promises of “total victory”. Under the current ceasefire plan, “the group would disarm but not disappear, with leaders offered amnesty or exile”. 

International Reactions and Israel’s Response 

The Israeli response to Sánchez’s statements was swift and sharp. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar retorted: “Do not speak in the name of the future. It is not yours”. This reflects the growing tension between Israel and European nations taking stronger pro-Palestinian positions. 

Spain’s stance represents a notable shift in European diplomacy. While countries like Ireland and Sweden have long recognized Palestine, Spain’s recent activism—including leading coalitions for recognition and now using the term “genocide”—pushes the boundaries of European diplomatic language. 

The Path Forward and Lasting Implications 

Sánchez concluded his remarks with Abbas by urging the world to “raise its voice” for Palestinians. His advocacy rests on several pillars: 

• Accountability: Pursuing justice for what he terms genocide 

• Practical support: Financial and institutional backing for the Palestinian Authority 

• Diplomatic coalition-building: Expanding international recognition of Palestine 

• Ceasefire enforcement: Ensuring the current truce becomes permanent and meaningful 

The Madrid meeting signifies more than bilateral diplomacy—it represents Spain’s attempt to reshape European and international approaches to the conflict. By elevating Palestine to “sister state” status and using legally charged language like “genocide,” Sánchez has positioned Spain at the vanguard of a more assertive European Palestine policy. 

As the Gaza ceasefire faces critical tests in its second phase, with Hamas discussing conditional disarmament and Israel maintaining military positions, diplomatic support for the Palestinian Authority becomes increasingly crucial. Spain’s hand-in-hand solidarity with Abbas offers political reinforcement at a pivotal moment, though the ultimate test will be whether such diplomatic gestures translate into tangible progress toward Palestinian self-determination and a lasting resolution to one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.