Spain’s King Felipe VI decries Gaza residents 'unspeakable suffering'
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Spain’s King Felipe VI, who seldom comments on international affairs, says his Egypt trip “is taking place at a turbulent and tragic time for the region.”
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Palestinians run for cover during an Israeli airstrike on a high-rise building in Gaza City, on September 5, 2025. (AP)
Spain’s King Felipe VI condemned the “unspeakable suffering” of civilians in Gaza under relentless Israeli bombardment, marking a rare political intervention by the monarch during a state visit to Egypt.
“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,” Felipe said.
The king, who seldom comments on international affairs, added that his trip “is taking place at a turbulent and tragic time for the region.”
Spain emerges as leading European critic of 'Israel'
Spain has been among the most outspoken European nations in criticizing "Israel’s" war on Gaza. In May 2024, Madrid officially recognized the State of Palestine, a move that intensified diplomatic tensions.
Just last week, Spain recalled its ambassador from "Israel" following heated exchanges over Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s announcement of measures aimed at stopping what he described as “the genocide in Gaza.”
Public pressure and pro-Palestine protests in Spain
On Sunday, the final stage of the Vuelta cycling race was canceled after massive pro-Palestine demonstrations in Madrid drew an estimated 100,000 people, according to local authorities.
Prime Minister Sanchez expressed “deep admiration” for the protesters and suggested excluding "Israel" from international sports competitions “as long as the barbarity continues” in Gaza.
"Israel" has not had an ambassador in Madrid since 2024, underscoring the sharp deterioration in bilateral relations.
This comes as the death toll from the Israeli aggression on Gaza since October 7, 2023, as of September 16, 2025, has risen to 64,964, in addition to 165,312 injuries, amid relentless Israeli bombardment that is sparing nothing.
