Fact Check: "Spanish PM calls Gaza situation a 'genocide' amid 65 deaths by Israeli forces."
What We Know
On June 26, 2025, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez made headlines by labeling the situation in Gaza as a "genocide." This statement came as reports indicated that Israeli forces had killed at least 65 individuals in Gaza on that same day (Le Monde). Sanchez's comments marked a significant moment, as he became one of the highest-ranking European officials to use the term "genocide" in reference to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has been characterized by severe humanitarian crises and extensive civilian casualties (Al-Monitor).
The context of Sanchez's statement is critical. Reports from various humanitarian organizations and media outlets indicate that Gaza's population is facing dire conditions, including famine-like situations and widespread destruction of infrastructure (Gaza genocide). The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with estimates suggesting that over 56,150 people have been killed since the beginning of the conflict, with many more likely trapped under rubble (Gaza genocide).
Analysis
Sanchez's use of the term "genocide" aligns with the views of several human rights organizations and experts who assert that Israel's military actions in Gaza meet the criteria for genocide as defined by international law. These criteria include acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group (Gaza genocide).
The credibility of Sanchez's statement is supported by reports from various rights groups and international bodies, including the United Nations, which have documented the severe humanitarian impact of the conflict. For instance, the UN has highlighted the "weaponization of food" and the destruction of civilian infrastructure as part of the military strategy employed in Gaza (Le Monde).
However, it is essential to consider the potential biases in the sources reporting on this issue. While organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are generally regarded as credible, the political context surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can influence interpretations of events. Israel has consistently argued that its military actions are a response to Hamas' attacks and that it is acting in self-defense (Gaza genocide).
Despite these counterarguments, the overwhelming evidence of civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis supports Sanchez's characterization of the situation in Gaza as genocidal in nature.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
Pedro Sanchez's claim that the situation in Gaza constitutes a "genocide" is substantiated by extensive reports of civilian casualties, humanitarian crises, and expert opinions from human rights organizations. The evidence indicates a systematic pattern of violence against the Palestinian population, aligning with the definitions of genocide under international law. Therefore, the assertion made by the Spanish Prime Minister is accurate and reflects the grave realities faced by the people in Gaza.
