Spanish Foreign Minister Criticizes ‘Controversial’ Israeli Flamenco Video

In a heated exchange between Spain and Israel, the Spanish Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, has condemned a video posted by his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, as “scandalous and execrable.” The video, titled “Hamas: Gracias España” (“Hamas: Thanks Spain”), features the Spanish flag followed by a flamenco dance and footage of Hamas fighters, including scenes from the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel.

This comes after Spain announced its recognition of Palestine as a state and two Spanish government ministers referred to the conflict in Gaza as a genocide. Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles described the conflict as a “real genocide,” echoing Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz’s earlier comments.

Israel has strongly rejected accusations of genocide, stating that it is acting in self-defense against Hamas. The Israeli embassy in Madrid responded to Robles’ comments, calling them “false and unfounded.”

In response to Spain’s recognition of Palestine, Israel has recalled its ambassadors from Spain, Ireland, and Norway, accusing them of rewarding terrorism. However, Robles clarified that the recognition was aimed at ending violence in Gaza, not against Israel.

The conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of nearly 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, and significant destruction in the enclave. Israel launched its operation in response to the Oct. 7 attack, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.

The tension between Spain and Israel continues to escalate, with both countries standing firm in their positions on the Gaza conflict.