Spain’s King Felipe VI on Tuesday denounced the ‘unspeakable suffering’ endured by hundreds of thousands of Gazans under Israeli strikes, marking a rare political statement from the monarch.
Speaking during an official visit to Egypt, Felipe said: ‘The latest episode in this conflict, triggered by the brutal terrorist attack on Israel almost two years ago, has cast a shadow far too long and provoked a response that has resulted in countless casualties, degenerating into an unbearable humanitarian crisis, the unspeakable suffering of hundreds of thousands of innocent people, and the total devastation of Gaza.’
The king, who seldom comments on international affairs, stressed that his trip ‘is taking place at a turbulent and tragic time for the region’.
Spanish media has also reported that Felipe VI has defended the creation of a ‘viable Palestinian state’ coexisting ‘in peace and security’ with Israel. He has also endorsed initiatives such as the Gaza reconstruction plan, which is necessary for the Gazan population to recover ‘their lives and dignity’.
The Spanish government, which formally recognised Palestine as a state in May 2024, has emerged as one of Israel’s sharpest critics in Europe. ALSO READ: Spain’s RTVE confirms it will boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates.
Tensions have also been visible at home. On Sunday, the concluding stage of La Vuelta cycling tour was called off after pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Madrid drew around 100,000 people, according to local officials. ALSO READ: PP accuses Spanish government of allowing ‘international embarrassment’ with La Vuelta.
Socialist (PSOE) Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez later voiced ‘deep admiration’ for the protesters, and suggested barring Israel from sporting events ‘as long as the barbarity continues’ in Gaza.
Israel has had no ambassador in Madrid since 2024. Just last week, Spain recalled its envoy to Israel following sharp diplomatic clashes, after Sánchez’s cabinet unveiled new measures intended to halt ‘the genocide in Gaza’. ALSO READ: Netanyahu accuses Sánchez of ‘blatant genocidal threat’ against Israel.
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🔴#14HorasRNE | El rey denuncia, en su visita de Estado a Egipto, el “brutal e inaceptable sufrimiento” de miles de personas en Gaza
Felipe VI agradece el papel de mediador que Egipto está jugando para lograr un alto el fuego y una liberación de rehenes en la Franja@LuciaYeste pic.twitter.com/dJODPXfbfq
— Radio 5 (@radio5_rne) September 17, 2025
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