Because of the current conflict in Gaza, Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister of Spain, has called for Israel to be excluded from international sporting events. This comes after the Spanish national was called “a disgrace” by Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in reaction to pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Madrid.
After protesters entered a portion of the course, the Vuelta a Espana cycling race’s final stage was canceled on Sunday, September 14. As additional protests were anticipated, the race was later called off after more than 1,000 police officers were stationed on the streets of the Spanish capital.
Sanchez had previously replied to the demonstrations by saying that Spain “shines as an example with pride” with its stance on the situation in Gaza, and an Israeli team was competing in the race. Saar denounced the statements and charged the Spanish prime minister of instigating the pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez Demands Israel’s Exclusion from Sports
Sanchez wants Israel to face the same sanctions as Russia, which is presently prohibited because of its invasion of Ukraine. In addition to clubs being kicked out of the Champions League and other club championships, Russia has been barred from participating in athletic events, including UEFA contests like the European Championships held last summer.
According to BBC Sport, the Spanish prime minister told members of his Socialist Workers’ Party:
“Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image.”
“It’s a relief to me that thousands and thousands of people mobilize against that genocide, because it is genocide, and it has no other name,” said Oscar Lopez, the Minister of Digital Transformation, in response to the protests that led to the race’s cancellation in Madrid.
The Israeli-Palestinian and Gaza-Israeli tensions are still unresolved, and the battle in Gaza intensified in October 2023. Israel claims its operations in Gaza are an act of self-defense and refutes claims of genocide.
According to Reuters, Sanchez said that because of their “barbaric acts” in connection with the Gaza conflict and invasion of Ukraine, both Russia and Israel need to be prohibited from participating in international sporting events. Israel is currently qualified to compete in the FIFA World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer, despite currently finishing third in their qualification group.
Spain’s opposition to Israel’s exclusion goes beyond sports; Ernest Urtasun, the country’s minister of culture, has threatened to “boycott” Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate. Because of its actions in Ukraine, Russia has been prohibited from participating in the singing competition since 2022.
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