Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has denounced Europe’s handling of the Gaza war as “a failure,” warning it risks destroying the EU’s credibility worldwide. In an interview ahead of talks in London with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Sánchez described the conflict as “one of the darkest episodes of international relations in the 21st century” and accused the West of applying double standards—resolute in Ukraine, but divided and hesitant in Gaza.

Double Standards at the Heart of the Crisis

Sánchez stressed that credibility cannot be sustained if the EU treats wars differently: “It is a failure. Absolutely,” he said. “Within the EU, there are countries divided on how to influence Israel. But it’s not acceptable. We cannot prolong this if we want to increase our credibility when it comes to other crises, such as Ukraine”.

He underlined that while the roots of the two conflicts differ, the global perception is clear: “The world is looking at the EU and Western society and asking why double standards are applied when it comes to Ukraine and when it comes to Gaza”.

Accusations Against Israel

Sánchez has been the first European leader to accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. He said Spain has been “very vocal” inside the EU and internationally, pushing to suspend the bloc’s strategic partnership with Israel as a way of applying real pressure.

A Weakening International Order

The Spanish premier also pointed to the U.S. role, warning that under Donald Trump the very order America created after World War II is being dismantled. He cited U.S. withdrawals from institutions such as the World Health Organization as weakening multilateralism. “That’s not going to be positive for U.S. society or for the rest of the world, especially Western countries,” he said, adding that this vacuum presents an opportunity for the EU and UK to show greater leadership.

Divisions Inside the EU

European inaction, Sánchez argued, stems from deep internal divisions. Some states—including Spain, Ireland and Belgium—have backed recognition of a Palestinian state or sought to suspend trade and arms ties with Israel. Others, notably Germany and Hungary, continue to block binding measures. Diplomats admit this disunity damages Europe’s ability to act decisively on the global stage.