Rising civilian deaths in Gaza absolutely unacceptable: Spanish premier

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reiterated that the soaring civilian deaths in the relentless Israeli attacks on the besieged Gaza are absolutely unacceptable, local media reported on Monday.

Speaking to Cadena SER radio, he said: “I aspire to have the best relationship with Israel, but I am above all concerned about the death of civilians.”

“Obviously, we condemn the terrorist attacks by Hamas, and we have asked from the beginning for the release of hostages without conditions,” he said and added but this number of civilians killed since Oct. 7 in Gaza is unacceptable.

Sanchez also underscored that ensuring long-lasting peace in the Middle East and stability in the Mediterranean is in the interest of the EU.

According to him, the Global South should not think the EU pursues double standards.

This would undermine the union’s credibility, Sanchez noted.

The Israeli army resumed bombing the Gaza Strip early Friday after declaring an end to a week-long humanitarian pause.

Israel launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.

The death toll from Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has surged to 15,599 since the start of the conflict on Oct. 7, the Health Ministry in the besieged Palestinian enclave announced on Monday.

The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.