Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has issued a strong condemnation of Israel's intensified military operations in the Gaza Strip, stating on August 11, 2025, that Spain, along with the European Union, will not recognize any unilateral annexation of Gaza or the West Bank. Albares emphasized that actions such as the expansion of illegal settlements are unacceptable and warned that Israel's escalating military actions would inevitably lead to increased loss of life and suffering, impede hostage releases, and exacerbate regional instability.
In response to Israel's plans to expand military operations in Gaza City, Spain advocated for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade on Gaza, and the unconditional release of all hostages. This position was reinforced in a joint statement with the foreign ministers of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, and Slovenia, who expressed grave concern that these actions would worsen the humanitarian crisis and undermine prospects for a two-state solution. The international community has intensified its pressure on Israel to halt its military escalation. Notably, Germany suspended military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza on August 8, 2025, a move signifying a shift in its long-standing support, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz stating that further military action makes achieving stated goals increasingly difficult. The conflict, which began in October 2023 following a Hamas attack that resulted in approximately 1,195 Israeli and foreign national deaths and 251 hostages taken, has led to over 61,000 Palestinian casualties according to Gaza officials.
A joint statement from nine countries, including Germany, Britain, France, and Canada, explicitly rejected Israel's decision for a large-scale military operation, highlighting its potential to worsen the humanitarian situation, endanger hostages, and increase the risk of mass displacement. These nations reiterated that any attempts at annexation or settlement expansion violate international law. The European Union also warned against any Israeli annexation plans for the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that such actions would intensify the humanitarian situation and that a two-state solution remains the only viable path forward. Albares also commented on the anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing support for peace initiatives while cautioning against agreements that might reward Russia and underscoring the critical importance of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.