Spanish king condemns ‘unspeakable suffering’ of Gaza people during Egypt visit

CAIRO – 17 September 2025: During an official visit to Egypt on Tuesday, Spain’s King Felipe VI strongly condemned the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, describing the suffering of its civilians under Israeli bombardment as “unspeakable.”

“The latest episode in this conflict... has degenerated into an unbearable humanitarian crisis, the unspeakable suffering of hundreds of thousands of innocent people and the total devastation of Gaza,” the monarch said, according to the AFP.

He underscored the gravity of the moment, noting that his visit comes “at a turbulent and tragic time for the region.”

Spain has taken a supportive stance toward the Palestinian people since the Israeli war in Gaza started in October 2023, killing nearly 65,000 people to day.

Spain has positioned itself among the most outspoken European critics of Israeli actions in Gaza, and in May 2024, the Spanish government formally recognized the State of Palestine.

The public has also shaped Spain’s political posture with around 100,000 pro-Palestinian protests taking to the streets in Madrid early this week.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised the demonstrators, expressing “deep admiration” for their cause. He also floated the idea of barring Israel from international sporting events “as long as the barbarity continues” in Gaza.

Diplomatic relations between Spain and Israel have sharply deteriorated.

Israel has been without an ambassador in Madrid since 2024 and just last week, Spain recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv following a series of escalating tensions and after Sánchez’s government announced new steps aimed at halting “the genocide in Gaza.”

The story was written by the AFP and Egypt Today.