Spain Strongly Rejects Israeli Statements on Annexing the West Bank.

Madrid: The Spanish government expressed its strong rejection of the Israeli statements regarding the annexation of the occupied West Bank. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that such actions are contrary to international law and reiterated the ruling of the International Court of Justice, which has declared the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories illegal and demanded its termination as soon as possible. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs articulated in a press release that the extremist statements made by Israeli officials are provocative and contribute to escalating regional tensions. The ministry stressed that the settlements are in direct violation of international law, undermining efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. The controversy was fueled by comments from Far-right Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who, in a recent speech while chairing a meeting of the "Religious Zionism" party in the Israeli Knesset, pledged that 2025 would mark the year of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank. This assertion has been met with widespread criticism, particularly from international actors like Spain, who view the move as a significant impediment to the peace process.