King Felipe of Spain Calls for Peace in Gaza During Powerful UN Address

In a heartfelt and direct address to the United Nations General Assembly, King Felipe VI of Spain urged Israel to cease what he termed "abhorrent acts" in Gaza, as the humanitarian crisis deepens. His remarks came amidst rising tensions and deteriorating diplomatic relations between Spain and Israel following the conflict in the region. King Felipe refrained from using the term 'genocide,' although Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has openly described the situation as such. The King articulated the confusion and sorrow many feel regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, highlighting the devastation affecting hospitals, schools, and civilian areas. “We can't keep silent nor look the other way when confronted with so much devastation,” he stated, addressing the alarming casualty numbers and displacement of people caused by the ongoing violence. "These are abhorrent acts that are the very opposite of everything that this forum represents. They sicken the human conscience and shame the entire international community,” he lamented. The King’s powerful remarks come in the context of growing condemnation from Spain toward Israel's military actions, which have been characterized by the government as tantamount to extermination of innocent civilians. The Spanish government has introduced measures including an arms embargo, further straining relations. In response, Israel accused Spain of promoting continuous anti-Israel sentiments and has prohibited entry to two of Sánchez's cabinet members. Reflecting on Spain’s historical ties to the Jewish community, King Felipe said, “That is why we find it so hard to understand what the Israeli government is doing in the Gaza Strip and why it hurts us so much.” He passionately called for an end to the violence and an immediate cessation of hostilities, beseeching that no more lives be lost due to the actions of a people who have faced suffering throughout history. Emphasizing Spain's proud Sephardic Jewish heritage, he affirmed the country’s investment in understanding and advocating for peace. “We cry out, we implore, and we demand: stop this massacre now,” he urged, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and a ceasefire agreement. He also insisted that Hamas should release the hostages it is holding. King Felipe’s call for action included a plea for the international community to reinforce the two-state solution, believing that growing global recognition of Palestinian statehood could lead to a just and lasting peace in the region. His address was sharply contrasting to that of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized the UN for its ineffectiveness during the same assembly meeting. In response, King Felipe reiterated the importance of the United Nations and its founding principles, stating, "To believe in the United Nations is to believe firmly in the universality of the principles and values collected together in its charter." He further asserted that the dignity of every human being is a nonnegotiable principle that must be upheld and defended against the tide of violence and division that currently plagues the world. King Felipe's passionate timing and rhetoric highlight Spain's ongoing commitment to advocating for peace and humanitarian support amid one of the most pressing crises in the international arena. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2