Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is pushing for an overall sports ban on Israel and Russia for their "barbaric acts" in the occupied Gaza and in Ukraine.
On Monday, he showered praises on thousands of the pro-Palestinian protesters who forced the Vuelta a España cycle race's final stage to be abandoned. The anti-Israel sentiments have grown throughout Europe as governments across nations say that these are the consequences of Israeli crimes committed with genocidal intent and disenfranchisement of the Gaza population.
The protesters have repeatedly targeted the race because of the participation of the Israeli premier tech team. "Our position is clear and categorical: as long as the barbarity continues, neither Russia nor Israel should participate in any international competition," Sanchez said.
Spain will not allow any sportsmen from these two countries to participate in any event, be it sports or the upcoming Eurovision festival, he said. Cycling's global governing body, UCI, said it "regretted" the Spanish government's support for the protests and it "could call into question Spain's ability to host major international sporting events."
Spain, in particular, has been a vocal critic of the Israeli actions in Gaza, especially over the aid blockade and weaponisation of the hunger and starvation.
Subsequently, Madrid has also criticised Russia for what it believes is a war of injustice and criminality. Besides Spain, several nations have threatened to boycott the Eurovision festival if Israel participates in the event. The organisers of the event have asked Israel to withdraw its name from the festivities due to the risk of mass protests and violent clashes.
Also Read: Madrid gas explosion leaves 25 injured, five critical
Follow us
