Unprecedented stance by Spain’s king against Israel

In a rare international statement, King Felipe VI described what Palestinians in Gaza are enduring as “suffering beyond description,” blaming Israel’s attacks for “the killing of large numbers of civilians, an unbearable humanitarian crisis, and the total destruction of Gaza.”

He stressed during his Egypt trip that the visit comes “at a turbulent and tragic time for the region.”

Since Spain recognized the State of Palestine in May 2024, in coordination with Ireland and Norway, Madrid has become one of the most outspoken European critics of Israeli occupation.

The Spanish government has taken a series of measures against Tel Aviv, describing the war on Gaza as a “genocide against Palestinians” — a stance that has cemented Madrid’s position as one of the European capitals most critical of Israel’s policies.

Last Sunday, the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race was canceled due to mass protests against the “Israeli genocide in Gaza.” According to local officials, around 100,000 people demonstrated in Madrid against the participation of the Israeli team.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also proposed that Israel be banned from all international sporting competitions “as long as the barbarity in Gaza continues.”

In the same vein, the board of Spain’s national radio and television broadcaster voted on Tuesday, at the request of director José Pablo López, to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna if Israel participates.

The decision passed with 10 votes in favor, 4 against, and 1 abstention, making Spain the first among the “Big Five” countries (Spain, UK, Germany, France, and Italy) to threaten withdrawal from Eurovision.

This decision comes amid growing political and artistic pressure to exclude Israel from next year’s competition, especially after Israel’s representative Yoel Raphael placed second this year, while Austrian winner Gigi called for Israel’s removal from Eurovision 2026.