Spain urges EU to end Israel agreement over human right violations

Spain is stepping up pressure on Israel, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announcing plans to ask the European Union to suspend its association agreement with Israel over breaches of international law.

Speaking at a rally, Sanchez said Madrid would formally present the proposal to EU partners, arguing that Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon make it an unsuitable partner. He said the country “violates international law” and therefore “cannot be a partner of the European Union... it's as simple as that”.

The agreement, in place since 2000, sets the framework for political and economic cooperation and includes provisions tied to respect for human rights.