Pedro Sánchez Challenges Israel: 9 Measures to Stop the Genocide in Gaza

In a move described as bold and unprecedented, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced today, Monday, a package of immediate measures aimed at "stopping the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip," which includes halting arms sales to Israel and preventing ships carrying fuel to the Israeli army from using Spanish ports.

In a televised statement from the government headquarters in Madrid, Sánchez said that the Spanish government has decided to implement 9 additional and urgent measures, noting that these steps come within the framework of "practical action to put an end to the genocide, pursue those responsible, and support the Palestinian people," according to what was reported by Agence France-Presse.

Alongside the Spanish stance, Gaza is witnessing an increasing Israeli military escalation;

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced in a tweet on the "X" platform that the city of Gaza will face a "massive hurricane," threatening violent strikes targeting what he described as "terror towers."

Gallant said: "This is the last warning to Hamas elements and leaders, whether in Gaza or in luxury hotels abroad. Release the hostages and lay down your arms, otherwise Gaza will be destroyed along with you."

He added that the Israeli army "is executing its plan precisely, preparing to expand the military maneuver for complete control of the sector."

Amid this escalation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued direct instructions to his ministers not to make any media statements regarding the ongoing military operations in Gaza, according to Israeli media reports.

For his part, U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his pressure, directing what he called the "last warning" to Hamas to agree to the new U.S. proposal for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

In a notable development, Hamas announced late Sunday night to Monday that it agreed to release all Israeli prisoners held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack, in exchange for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the devastated sector.

This announcement comes amid ongoing intense Israeli bombardment of Gaza and increasing ground incursions, as the Israeli army confirmed that it destroyed a new tower in the middle of Gaza City, as part of what it described as "a military operation to track down Hamas leaders."

The Spanish move may pave the way for broader European action, amid growing voices within the European Union calling for holding Israel accountable for what is described as "mass crimes" in the sector, and calls to halt military and economic support for Tel Aviv.

While awaiting broader international reactions, the situation in Gaza remains fiery, and attention is directed towards whether the new diplomatic steps will succeed in curbing the escalation, or whether the coming days will witness more destruction and suffering in the besieged sector.