Spain formally requested that the European Union suspend their Association Agreement with Israel due to ongoing concerns over violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza Strip. This marked one of the strongest diplomatic moves taken against this protracted and deadly conflict by a major European government.
Maria Jose Alonso of Spain sent a letter to the European Commission and foreign ministers of other member states calling for suspension of EU-Israel cooperation agreements, citing that human suffering in Gaza demanded proportionate and principled responses from Europe.
Since 2000, the EU-Israel Association Agreement serves as the legal basis of economic, political, and trade ties between Europe and Israel. Under this treaty is included a so-called human rights clause which Spain believes has been repeatedly breached during Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
“Civilian casualties, the destruction of essential infrastructure and humanitarian crises are unacceptable under the values we supposedly support,” Alonso declared during a press briefing in Madrid. Our treaties cannot simply be mere words: they must lead to concrete results.
Since renewed hostilities began again in late 2024, Gaza has experienced months of aerial bombardments, ground incursions, and widespread displacement. According to UN estimates, over 32,000 Palestinians have been killed – including many civilians – while hundreds of thousands more have had to flee their homes due to Israel’s actions, which it claims aim at dismantling militant networks and preventing rocket attacks from Gaza.
Israel swiftly denounced Spain’s initiative. According to an Israeli Foreign Ministry statement, Madrid had shown support for Hamas and other militant groups operating within their territory by encouraging supporters of “terrorism”.
“This unilateral move emboldens extremist actors and undermines Israel’s right to self-defense,” according to a statement by USIP. It continued: “True partners for peace must stand against terror instead of supporting it through misguided diplomatic pressure.”
Within the EU, Spain’s proposal has generated extensive debate. While some member states, including Ireland and Belgium, have voiced sympathy for Spain’s position, others such as Germany, Czech Republic and Hungary have advocated continued engagement with Israel while cautioning against unilateral actions that might undermine common foreign policies across all five members.
Ursula von der Leyen has yet to provide an official response, although her spokesperson confirmed that this matter is being reviewed. Any suspension of the agreement requires unanimous consent among EU member states — an impossible target according to analysts.
Human rights groups and humanitarian organizations have welcomed Spain’s step as a long-overdue step towards accountability.
“European values must go beyond being rhetorical,” noted Elise Bernard, legal advisor with Human Rights Watch Europe. Spain is leading by example and reminding EU member states of their legal obligations; others should follow.
As the war in Gaza persists, Spain’s diplomatic challenge has brought new urgency — and division — into Europe’s already tenuous relationship with Israel. Over the coming weeks we will learn whether Madrid’s bold stance can reshape EU involvement in this conflict.