Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for Israel to be banned from international sports competitions, just after the protest that disrupted the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race on September 14. Demonstrators threw barriers onto the course and clashed with police, forcing organizers to cut the event short.
Sánchez compared Israel’s actions in Gaza to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, stating, “Until the barbarity ends, neither Russia nor Israel should be in any international competition.” He added, “Why expel Russia after the invasion of Ukraine and not expel Israel after the invasion of Gaza?”
While reiterating his respect for the cyclists, he also expressed admiration for Spanish society’s commitment to defending its beliefs in peace and justice, as reported by various Spanish media outlets. This is one of many recent statements by world leaders addressing Israel’s military policies.
On September 2, Belgium announced its intention to recognize Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. It joins a growing list of countries that already recognize Palestine as a sovereign state.
Do you know which nations are on that list—and what such recognition actually means? Click on to find out.