Spanish PM calls Israeli military actions in Lebanon an ‘invasion’

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has condemned Israel’s military offensives in Lebanon, describing them as an “invasion” and urging the international community to respond.

“It is clear that there has been an invasion by a third country of a sovereign state such as Lebanon, and therefore the international community cannot remain indifferent,” Sanchez told parliament on Wednesday. He emphasized the need for a global response to the situation.

“We are denouncing the invasion of Lebanon”

Sanchez, the leader of Spain’s Socialist Party, added, “We denounced this situation in Ukraine, we also denounce it in Gaza, and now we are also denouncing the invasion of Lebanon.”

The remarks come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese ally of the Palestinian group Hamas. Israeli military ground incursions began on September 30, 2023, targeting southern Lebanon, where 10,000 U.N. peacekeepers are stationed under the command of a Spanish general.

Israel claims the incursions are aimed at preventing Hezbollah from launching rockets into northern Israel.

Rising casualties in Lebanon

According to official Lebanese figures, nearly 2,000 people have been killed since October 2023, with over a thousand fatalities reported since the Israeli strikes began on September 23. The strikes have targeted the southern and eastern regions of Lebanon as well as southern suburbs of Beirut.

Sanchez’s comments further reflect his critical stance on Israel’s actions. In the aftermath of Hamas’ unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023, which sparked the ongoing conflict, he has repeatedly voiced concerns over Israel’s non-compliance with international humanitarian law.

EU division on the Middle East conflict

Sanchez also expressed disappointment with the European Union’s divided stance on the Middle East conflict. “I regret this because I believe that on these issues, we should be consistent not with our position, but consistent with the defence of international law and international humanitarian law,” he stated.

Under Sanchez’s leadership, Spain recognized the State of Palestine in May 2023, further complicating relations with Israel.