“Only those who will risk going too far,
can possibly find out how far one can go.”
— T. S. Eliot
The voices of peoples rise like stubborn winds that refuse to be chained. They have shown themselves stronger than official silences, more persistent than diplomatic evasions. Today, in Europe, we witness a shift born not of palaces or chancelleries, but of streets, universities, and consciences demanding justice.
I. Spain… an honourable example before the truth
In a time shaken by double standards, Spain has placed itself on the just side of history. It did not settle for rhetorical condemnations: it translated words into concrete action.
- Consolidated by law the arms embargo on Israel.
- Closed its ports and airspace to ships and aircraft bound for Israeli military use.
- Sanctioned ultra ministers such as Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, banning their entry into Spanish territory.
- Prohibited the import of products from illegal settlements.
- Raised its aid to Palestine: €150 million for Gaza in 2026, plus an extra €10 million for UNRWA.
These are not mere technical measures: they are an ethical wager. Spain — without nuclear bombs or vast arsenals — chose to invest in peace, development, and dignity.
II. Three dimensions of Spain’s commitment
- Investing in people, not in arms
Prioritising education, healthcare, and international cooperation over the arms race. - A coherent record of humanitarian support
Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, Nepal, Afghanistan… Spain has consistently stood with vulnerable peoples. - Law as compass
Every step is grounded in international law, humanitarian legality, and UN resolutions.
III. Europe… when conscience awakens
The change in the EU’s official response did not come from nowhere. It is the fruit of pressure from the peoples of Europe, who filled squares, signed manifestos, and pushed their governments. That pressure joined the courage of states such as Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, which chose to stand on the bright side of history.
As a result, in recent weeks we have seen:
- Proposals to suspend parts of the trade agreement with Israel.
- Inclusion of extremist ministers and violent settlers in sanctions lists.
- And, for the first time, voices within the European Commission describing the war in Gaza as a possible genocide.
Conclusion
Spain demonstrates that when European conscience allows itself to be guided by the street and by law, it can meet the Arab and Muslim pulse in a shared current of humanity.
And yet, a sharp question remains:
When will the Arab League speak and act with a single firm voice — not with isolated gestures — in defence of justice?
If the peoples of Europe have pressed hard enough to bend the course, how could those with the cause closest in blood, in history, and in destiny not do the same?
Names history will remember
History, which rarely forgets those who dared to speak when others were silent, will place on the same page Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, José Manuel Albares, and Teresa Ribera — the first voice in Brussels to dare to pronounce the word genocide — along with Josep Borrell, whose career in European diplomacy opened the way and whose critical stances on the offensive in Gaza shaped the European debate.
Alongside them will also stand those who, from other European governments, chose the clear side of history:
- In Ireland, Micheál Martin, Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
- Margot Wallström, former Foreign Minister of Sweden, a pioneer in recognising Palestine.
- Wopke Hoekstra, former Dutch Foreign Minister and now European Commissioner. This confluence of peoples, governments, and consciences will one day trace the story of how justice and human dignity prevailed over the roar of arms.
Note:This article was first published in Al-Seyasah on 14 September 2025.