Spanish PM calls for ceasefire in Lebanon

Sanchez spoke with Lebanese PM Najib Mikati, conveying Spain’s support during Lebanon's ongoing crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his solidarity with Lebanon on Wednesday, reiterating his call for an immediate ceasefire amid escalating tensions in the region.

Sanchez spoke with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, conveying Spain’s support during Lebanon's ongoing crisis.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Sanchez stated, “I just spoke with the Prime Minister of Lebanon @Najib_Mikati to express my solidarity and support in the difficult times his country is going through.”

He further noted that Spain has ramped up its humanitarian aid to assist Lebanon’s civilian population.

Sanchez emphasized the importance of respecting international law and Lebanon's territorial integrity, stressing that Spain's foreign policy remains consistent in advocating for peace.

"It is essential that international law and international humanitarian law, as well as Lebanon's territorial integrity, be respected," he said.

Reiterating his call for an immediate ceasefire, Sanchez added, “We demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.”

His remarks reflect the growing concern in Spain about the intensifying conflict, which has spilled over from Gaza into Lebanon following a series of Israeli attacks targeting the Lebanese Hezbollah group.

As regional tensions have escalated, Sanchez’s plea for peace comes amidst a deadly conflict that began with an Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 41,600 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza since October 7.

The violence has extended to Lebanon, where Israel has launched multiple strikes against Hezbollah, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,928 people and the injury of nearly 9,300 since September 23.

Sanchez also confirmed that several Spanish military aircraft have been dispatched to Beirut to evacuate Spanish nationals from Lebanon, underlining Spain’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its citizens amid the crisis.

The situation in Lebanon and Gaza remains volatile, with widespread international calls for de-escalation and humanitarian aid.

The conflict, which has caused significant civilian casualties and damage, continues to raise concerns over regional stability and the prospect of broader international involvement.

Spain's position, echoed by Sanchez, highlights the urgent need for peace and the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Sanchez’s statements come at a time when European leaders are increasingly calling for diplomatic solutions to the conflicts in both Gaza and Lebanon.

Spain’s increased humanitarian assistance and its push for a ceasefire underscore its commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region.

Previously, more than 200 trade unions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Spain initiated a 24-hour general strike to protest Israel’s ongoing onslaught on Gaza and to express solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The strike, themed “Against the genocide and occupation in Palestine,” saw demonstrations across the country, including in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao.

Students in several universities also joined the protests, suspending classes in a show of support.

The demonstrators, led by groups such as the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), condemned Israel’s attacks on Gaza, which they described as "intolerable" and accused the Israeli government of committing genocide.

The protesters called on Spain’s government to sever all diplomatic, military, and commercial ties with Israel in response to its actions in Gaza.

As the conflict continues, the international community, including Spain, remains focused on efforts to de-escalate the situation and provide aid to those affected by the ongoing violence.