The Diplomat
The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, yesterday asked the international community to stop “immediately” the “unbearable” and “unacceptable” suffering of the civilian population in Gaza due to the Israeli Government’s response to the attacks by the terrorist group Hamas on last October 7, which triggered a new armed conflict in the area.
This call, Europa Press reports, was made by Sánchez taking advantage of the traditional videoconference that he held this Sunday with the Spanish troops deployed abroad to congratulate them on Christmas in which he was accompanied by the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, and the Head of the Defence Staff (JEMAD), Teodoro López.
In his congratulatory message to the military, the head of the Executive thanked them for the work they do outside the borders “for the sake of that common desire that is global stability and peace.”
Recently, the conflict in Gaza has shocked our lives, our consciences, and those of the entire international community. On October 7, the terrorist group Hamas committed one of the cruelest terrorist attacks in recent history, whose response by of the Government of Israel is causing unbearable, unacceptable suffering among the civilian population that the international community must stop immediately,” he said.
Along these lines, he made special recognition to the United Nations mission in Lebanon led by Spain and to the Spanish contingent that carries out its mission there “despite the harsh conditions that come with attacks in this area.”
Likewise, he mentioned the conflict in Ukraine that has posed a “threat” and that affects “in a very important way” the daily lives of Spaniards. “Spain, evidently, has come to the demand for peace that is materialized in your efforts in different missions to protect the European and Euro-Atlantic space,” said Sánchez.
For all this, the president highlighted the “professionalism” and “dedication” of the military with which they defend those principles and values. “The brave attitude with which you face the challenges that arise in the fulfillment of your missions are a source of pride for all Spanish men and women and, I have to tell you, also of admiration,” Sánchez stressed.
In this sense, he highlighted the value of the 3,000 men and women abroad, their “selflessness and good work” that underlines “Spain’s commitment to world peace.” “You make that commitment real as the United Nations, the European Union or NATO always reminds us,” he said.
Sánchez also paid tribute to the 175 men and women who throughout 34 years of missions abroad have “given their lives for international peace and stability.”
“Retire to rest with the satisfaction of having fulfilled your duty and also with the certainty that we have you here very much,” he told the troops, wishing them “the greatest of successes” in the fulfillment of their missions and that next 2024 will be “the year of peace that we all long for,” he concluded.
For her part, the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, who was present at the connection from another point, praised the “dedication and dedication” of the soldiers who leave the Spanish flag “so high” and wished them Merry Christmas and “the best for next year”.
The President of the Government plans to visit Iraq on the 27th and 28th to meet with the Spanish soldiers participating in NATO training missions for the Armed Forces and Security Forces of that country.
