Israel Summons Spanish, Belgian Ambassadors Following Criticism

Spanish Prime Minister Calls for EU Recognition of Palestinian State Amid Ongoing Conflict

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo criticized Israel for the suffering of Palestinian civilians under Israeli military operations in Gaza during their visit to the Rafah border crossing.
Sánchez called for European Union recognition of a Palestinian state, stating that Spain might do so independently if the EU does not act collectively.
Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen summoned the ambassadors of Spain and Belgium to Israel for a reprimand following the statements made by the prime ministers of the two countries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the remarks made by the Belgian and Spanish prime ministers for not placing full responsibility for the crimes against humanity on Hamas.
Sánchez suggested an international peace conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to forge a viable Palestinian state during his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.