Spanish premier ‘deeply concerned’ about Palestinians' future after violence ends

OVIEDO, Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he is “deeply concerned” about what will happen in Palestine after the current violence comes to an end.

“Because what is the future? Continuing with the illegal settlements in the West Bank? Totally destroying Gaza? So, how will the Gazans return to their homes?” he asked, addressing the parliament on Wednesday.

“Who will be the authority that governments Gaza the day after the hostilities end?”

Sanchez said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not return power to the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and that his country will continue with illegal settlements in the West Bank.

“The position of the Spanish government is clear: we do not accept that situation,” he said.

Instead, he added, there must be a peace conference. At the same time, Western nations, including Spain, must recognize the State of Palestine to create a just and lasting peace.

“We are defending a position of humanity, it’s a position of defending human rights. And I hope other big powers that don’t hold the same position as us will do so soon,” he said.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas was triggered by the Palestinian group's cross-border attack on Oct. 7.

Israel responded with air and ground attacks that have killed more than 20,000 people, mostly women and children, besides mass displacement and destruction. It has also rejected calls for a permanent ceasefire.