Current:Home > StocksIsrael summons Spanish, Belgian ambassadors following criticism during visit to Rafah-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Israel summons Spanish, Belgian ambassadors following criticism during visit to Rafah
View Date:2024-12-23 20:57:54
RAFAH, Egypt (AP) — The Israeli government said Friday it would summon the Belgian and Spanish ambassadors following remarks by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his Belgian counterpart Alexander de Croo on the war between Israel and Hamas.
The announcement came after the two leaders criticized Israel for the suffering of Palestinian civilians under Israeli military operations in Gaza. Sánchez also called for European Union recognition of a Palestinian state, saying Spain might do so on its own.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the Rafah border crossing in Gaza on Friday, Sánchez said the time had come for the international community and the European Union to once and for all recognize a Palestinian state. He said it would be better if the EU did it together, “but if this is not the case … Spain will take their own decisions.”
Sánchez was speaking at the end of a two-day visit to Israel, the Palestinian territories and Egypt with de Croo. Spain currently holds the EU’s rotational presidency and Belgium takes over in January.
Sánchez reiterated comments made Thursday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the killing of civilians.
“I also reiterate Israel’s right to defend itself but it must do so within the parameters and limits imposed by international humanitarian law and this is not the case,” Sánchez said. “The indiscriminate killing of civilians, including thousands of boys and girls, are completely unacceptable.”
De Croo did not comment on recognition of a Palestinian state, but said, “first things first, let’s stop the violence. Let’s liberate the hostages. Let’s get the aid inside ... the first priority is help people who are suffering.”
De Croo stressed the need and hope for a permanent cease-fire, adding that this “needs to be built together. And it can only be built together if both parties understand that the solution to this conflict is never going to be violence. A solution to this conflict is that people sit around the table.”
“A military operation needs to respect international humanitarian law. The killing of civilians needs to stop now. Way too many people have died. The destruction of Gaza is unacceptable,” he said.
“We cannot accept that a society is being destroyed the way it is being destroyed,” he added.
Israel later lashed out at the two prime ministers “for not placing full responsibility for the crimes against humanity committed by Hamas, who massacred our citizens and used the Palestinians as human shields.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen instructed the countries’ ambassadors to be summoned for a sharp reprimand. “We condemn the false claims of the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium who give support to terrorism,” Cohen said.
“Israel is acting according to international law and fighting a murderous terrorist organization worse than (the Islamic State group) that commits war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
veryGood! (29935)
Related
- Too Hot to Handle’s Francesca Farago Gives Birth, Welcomes Twins With Jesse Sullivan
- Fantasy football waiver wire Week 11 adds: 5 players you need to consider picking up now
- Dog food recall expands as salmonella concerns spread to more pet food brands
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams' phones, iPad seized by FBI in campaign fundraising investigation
- 'Heretic' spoilers! Hugh Grant spills on his horror villain's fears and fate
- Vatican monastery that served as Pope Benedict XVI’s retirement home gets new tenants
- Worried about AI hijacking your voice for a deepfake? This tool could help
- San Francisco, hoping to resuscitate its 'doom loop' post-pandemic image, hosts APEC (and Biden)
- Michael Grimm, former House member convicted of tax fraud, is paralyzed in fall from horse
- Christian McCaffrey's record-tying TD streak ends at 17 games as 49ers rout Jaguars
Ranking
- To Protect the Ozone Layer and Slow Global Warming, Fertilizers Must Be Deployed More Efficiently, UN Says
- A military jet crashes in eastern Myanmar. Ethnic resistance groups claim they shot it down
- The Pentagon identifies the 5 US troops killed in a military helicopter crash over the Mediterranean
- John Bailey, former Academy president and 'Big Chill' cinematographer, dies at 81
- Ryan Reynolds Makes Dream Come True for 9-Year-Old Fan Battling Cancer
- Israel prepares for Euro 2024 qualifying game at Kosovo amid tight security measures
- Texas police officer killed in a shooting that left another officer wounded
- Utah places gymnastics coach Tom Farden on administrative leave after abuse complaints
Recommendation
-
Why Suits' Gabriel Macht Needed Time Away From Harvey Specter After Finale
-
Bestselling spiritual author Marianne Williamson presses on with against-the-odds presidential run
-
Jury clears ex-Milwaukee officer in off-duty death at his home
-
Jayden Daniels makes Heisman statement with historic performance in LSU's win over Florida
-
Elena Rose has made hits for JLo, Becky G and more. Now she's stepping into the spotlight.
-
US conducts airstrikes against Iran-backed groups in Syria, retaliating for attacks on US troops
-
Israel loses to Kosovo in Euro 2024 qualifying game
-
With both homes at war, a Ukrainian mother in Gaza struggles to find new place to go with her 5 children