Spain PM Calls Gaza Situation ‘Genocide’ as 65 Killed

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Thursday described the situation in Gaza as a “catastrophic case of genocide,” becoming the most senior European leader to use the term amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign.

His remarks came as rescuers in Gaza reported that at least 65 people were killed by Israeli forces on Thursday. Several were said to have died while waiting for humanitarian aid.

After over 20 months of war, more than two million people in Gaza are now facing near-famine conditions, according to human rights groups. Israel imposed a total blockade in March and began allowing limited aid in late May. However, aid distribution has often been chaotic, with frequent reports of Israeli troops opening fire on crowds near aid centres.

Sánchez, speaking ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, urged the European Union to suspend its cooperation agreement with Israel, citing human rights concerns. He referenced an EU report that indicated Israel may be breaching its obligations under the agreement, pointing to the blockade, civilian casualties, displacement, and attacks on journalists.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial new aid body backed by the US and operating alongside Israeli forces, has drawn further criticism. Since its deployment in late May, nearly 550 people have reportedly died near aid points. While the GHF denies deaths at its direct locations, aid groups and the UN have condemned its lack of neutrality and its military coordination.

Despite the controversy, the United States announced $30 million in direct funding for the GHF and called on others to contribute.

The Israeli military said it had fired “warning shots” near aid distribution points in central Gaza to deter people from approaching troops. It maintains that its operations aim to eliminate Hamas and rescue hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks, which killed over 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians.

Israel’s Gaza campaign has since killed at least 56,259 people, mostly civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry figures, which are considered credible by the United Nations.

With the humanitarian crisis deepening, Gaza residents continue to plead for help. “My children have nothing to eat,” said Imad al-Attar in Khan Yunis. “We are dying, and no one is paying attention,” added another man waiting in line for food.

The World Health Organization reported delivering its first shipment of medical supplies to Gaza since March — nine truckloads, which it described as “a drop in the ocean.”

Meanwhile, following a recent ceasefire with Iran, Israel has renewed its focus on Gaza. US President Donald Trump hinted on Wednesday at “very good news” regarding the conflict and claimed progress toward a resolution. Israel, however, remains engaged in military operations while pursuing hostage negotiations through mediators, including Qatar.