Relations between the EU and Israel have deteriorated on the eve of diplomatic recognition of a Palestinian state by European Union (EU) members Ireland and Spain. Madrid has suggested it consider sanctions against Israel for its continued attacks on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has said Spain will not allow its consulate in Jerusalem to help the Palestinians.
At the same time, EU foreign policy chief and Spaniard Josep Borrell has put his full force into supporting the International Criminal Court. Prosecutors in the case are seeking arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, including Hamas leaders.
“The prosecutor of the court has been badly harassed and accused of anti-Semitic sentiments, the word anti-Semitic is very heavy, it is very important”, Borrell said.
Katz was full of angry words on Monday after accusing Spain of ‘promoting terrorism’ by recognizing a Palestinian state and saying the ‘days of the Inquisition are over’. He mentioned the infamous Spanish institution established in the 15th century to maintain Roman Catholic orthodoxy. The organization forced Jews and Muslims to flee, convert to Catholicism, or in some cases face death.
“No one will force us to change our religion or threaten our existence – whoever harms us, we will harm in return”, said Katz.
While the EU and its member states committed to condemning the October 7 Hamas-led attack, the bloc has equally criticized Israel for future attacks.
The latest attack is centered on Rafah. At least 35 people were killed in an Israeli attack here on Sunday, Palestinian health workers said. ‘Several’ other people were trapped in burning tents when the displaced people’s tents were attacked.
The United Nations High Court International Court on Friday demanded that Israel immediately stop its attack on Rafah, even though it has not ordered a cease-fire for the Gaza Strip.
“Israel must stop its attack on Rafah,” said Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albarez.
Spain, Ireland and non-EU member Norway plan to formalize their recognition of a Palestinian state on Tuesday. Their joint announcement last week drew angry reactions from Israeli officials. Ambassadors from those countries were summoned to the Israeli Foreign Ministry in Tel Aviv and shown a video of the October 7 Hamas attack and kidnapping.
“We reject that which is not within the practice of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Etiquette and Diplomatic Relations”, Albares said, criticizing the treatment of the ambassadors, “But at the same time we have agreed not to get into any provocation that would take us away from our goal, our aim is to recognize the Palestinian state tomorrow. It is to do everything possible to achieve a permanent ceasefire as soon as possible and finally to achieve that definitive peace.”
