Barcelona (Quds News Network)- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced today that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will not withdraw from its positions, despite recent attacks by the Israeli army. His comments come in the wake of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order to UN Secretary-General António Guterres to immediately remove UNIFIL from areas of risk.
Speaking at a forum in Barcelona, Sánchez strongly criticized Netanyahu’s remarks, stating, “We firmly condemn, and will continue to condemn, the statement made by Prime Minister Netanyahu yesterday.”
Sánchez also urged European Union (EU) member states to support Spain and Ireland’s request to suspend the EU-Israel free trade agreement due to Israel’s ongoing assaults in Gaza and Lebanon, which he referred to as crimes.
Earlier, the European Union condemned Israel’s targeting of UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed concern over Israel’s accusations against Guterres, labeling them as baseless claims of antisemitism.
In a joint statement, EU foreign ministers voiced their “deep concern” over the Israeli army’s attacks on UNIFIL, urging Israel to provide “an urgent explanation” and conduct a thorough investigation. The statement emphasized the importance of UNIFIL in maintaining stability in southern Lebanon and condemned all attacks on UN missions.
On Sunday, UNIFIL reported that two Israeli tanks had breached one of their positions in the town of Ramyah in southern Lebanon. Additionally, on October 10, two peacekeepers were injured when Israeli forces targeted a UN watchtower in the area.
Spain and Ireland Push for Action
Spain and Ireland have been at the forefront of efforts within the EU to review and suspend the trade agreement with the occupation state, citing ongoing violations of human rights clauses in the partnership. For months, both countries have been engaging in talks with other EU nations, pushing for a more critical stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Sánchez emphasized the need for the EU to take decisive action, including halting arms exports to Israel, which continues to bomb civilians in Gaza. He stressed the importance of holding Israel accountable for its escalated military operations in both Gaza and Lebanon, calling on the international community to respond firmly.
Israel’s intensification of assaults since September 23, 2023, has led to widespread destruction in Lebanon, including airstrikes on Beirut, and a ground invasion in the south, disregarding international warnings. The attacks has resulted in over 2,300 deaths and 11,000 injuries in Lebanon alone, while the situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with over 140,000 Palestinians dead or injured due to the ongoing Israeli offensive, supported by the US.
Despite international pressure, including a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate halt to the violence and a ruling from the International Court of Justice demanding measures to prevent genocide, Israel continues its assaults in both Gaza and Lebanon.
Who is Pedro Sánchez?
Pedro Sánchez is Spain’s Prime Minister (President of the Government) since 2018 and leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). He first came to power through a no-confidence vote against his predecessor Mariano Rajoy, and has since maintained leadership through complex coalition governments. Known for his progressive policies, he’s implemented reforms on labor rights, minimum wage, and climate change. In late 2023, he secured another term as Prime Minister through a controversial amnesty deal with Catalan separatist parties, allowing him to form a coalition government despite not winning the most votes in the election.
Source:qudsnen
