Fact Check: Pedro Sánchez labels Gaza situation as genocide.

Fact Check: Pedro Sánchez Labels Gaza Situation as Genocide

What We Know

On June 26, 2025, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly referred to the situation in Gaza as a "catastrophic situation of genocide." This statement was made during a press conference ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, where Sánchez urged the European Union to suspend its cooperation deal with Israel. He cited a recent human rights report from the EU's diplomatic service, which indicated that Israel was breaching its human rights obligations under the agreement, particularly in light of the high civilian casualties and humanitarian crises resulting from the ongoing conflict (Al Arabiya, Arab News).

Sánchez's remarks came amid escalating violence in Gaza, which had already resulted in significant loss of life and humanitarian suffering. Reports indicated that Israeli military actions had led to the deaths of over 56,000 people in Gaza, predominantly civilians, since the conflict intensified following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 (Al Arabiya, Le Monde).

Analysis

The claim that Pedro Sánchez labeled the Gaza situation as genocide is substantiated by multiple credible sources. His statement represents a significant escalation in rhetoric from a European leader regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The term "genocide" is legally defined under international law and carries serious implications, suggesting intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group (Arab News, Watanserb).

Sánchez's comments were met with backlash from Israel, which accused him of "demonizing" the country and stated that Spain was "on the wrong side of history" (Le Monde). The Spanish government also faced internal criticism for the remarks, indicating the politically sensitive nature of the topic. This reaction highlights the polarized views surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where terminology such as "genocide" can provoke strong responses from various stakeholders.

The sources reporting on Sánchez's statement, including Al Arabiya, Arab News, and Le Monde, are reputable news organizations known for their coverage of international affairs. Their reports provide consistent accounts of Sánchez's remarks and the context surrounding them, lending credibility to the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that Pedro Sánchez labeled the Gaza situation as genocide is True. His statement was clearly articulated during a press conference, supported by references to human rights reports, and has been widely reported by credible news outlets. The use of the term "genocide" in this context underscores the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reflects Sánchez's position as a vocal critic of Israel's military actions.

Fact Check: Pedro Sánchez labels Gaza situation as genocide.