The Spanish government has issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli Knesset’s recent approval of legislation seeking to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, warning the move poses a direct threat to the viability of the two-state solution.
In a statement released by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said the Israeli decision represents a “clear violation” of international law and defies the recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which on July 19 reaffirmed the illegality of Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territories.
“The Knesset’s move disregards the basic principles and obligations enshrined in international law and further distances the region from a peaceful, just, and lasting solution,” the ministry said.
Spain warned that unilaterally extending sovereignty over the West Bank undermines efforts to achieve a two-state solution, long considered the only viable framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also emphasized the potential damage such legislation could have on the rights of the Palestinian people and regional stability.
The statement reiterated Spain’s “firm and unequivocal” opposition to the expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied territory and condemned actions that hinder diplomatic efforts toward peace. It also urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and called for unrestricted humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, in line with international humanitarian law.
“The foundations for peace must rest on respect for international law, human dignity, and the recognition of the legitimate aspirations of both peoples,” the foreign ministry said.
The Spanish government has taken an increasingly vocal stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent months. In May, Spain officially recognized the State of Palestine, a move that drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials but was praised by Palestinian leaders and several EU partners.
With tensions continuing to rise across the region and the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorating, Madrid’s latest condemnation adds to growing international concern about the implications of Israel’s new legislative push.
Spain concluded its statement by reaffirming its steadfast support for a negotiated two-state solution as the only path toward lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
