Spain Defends Stance on Anti-Semitism Amidst Diplomatic Tensions with Israel
In a recent interview with public broadcaster RTVE, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares firmly rejected claims made by Israel's Foreign Ministry that Spain has become a "paradise" for anti-Semitism. Albares described the Israeli remarks as "out of place," emphasizing Spain's commitment to tolerance and freedom of expression.
"Spain is a country of tolerance, where one has freedom of expression, and any form of incitement to hatred, including anti-Semitism, is not only widely rejected but is in the Penal Code," Albares stated. He further advised that anyone believing a crime of incitement to hatred or anti-Semitism has been committed should contact the Public Prosecutor's Office, highlighting that Madrid "has a plan against anti-Semitism."
The diplomatic tension arose following pro-Palestine demonstrations in Madrid, organized by groups including the Masar Badil Movement, which Israel associates with Hamas. Israel's Foreign Ministry expressed outrage over Spain's reaction to these demonstrations, stating, "We are outraged and saddened that Spain has become a paradise for sowing hatred and inciting the destruction of Israel."
Albares reiterated Spain's condemnation of the "brutal terrorist attack by Hamas" on October 7, 2023, while also criticizing Israel's subsequent actions. He specifically condemned "bombing civilian infrastructure, be it hospitals, places of worship, or U.N. headquarters; failing to distinguish between the fight against terrorism and the bombing of civilians; and deliberately not allowing humanitarian aid to reach civilians."
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in nearly 42,000 deaths, mostly women and children, and over 97,100 injuries, according to local health authorities. The Israeli offensive has displaced almost the entire population of Gaza, leading to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.
Mediation efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to reach a cease-fire and prisoner swap agreement have been unsuccessful, largely due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to halt the war. Meanwhile, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.
This diplomatic exchange underscores the complex international dynamics surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and highlights the challenges in balancing freedom of expression with concerns over hate speech and incitement.