Madrid: Prime Minister Pedro S¡nchez said Europe’s response to the war in the Gaza Strip amounted to a failure, telling The Guardian in an interview that “What we’re now witnessing in Gaza is perhaps one of the darkest episodes of international relations in the 21st century.”

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, S¡nchez said Spain has been “particularly ‘vocal’ within the European Union (EU) and also within the broader international community on this issue.” He said, “Within the EU, what we have done so far is advocate to suspend the strategic partnership that the EU has with Israel.” He criticized the United States, saying Washington’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and its reduced contributions to aid programs and the World Health Organization were mistakes. He added that Spain maintains a pragmatic approach in its relationship with the United States.

S¡nchez gave the remarks in an interview with The Guardian that was published on Wednesday.

S¡nchez characterized events in Gaza with the quote used above. He linked Spain’s position in EU forums to a call to suspend the EU strategic partnership with Israel.

S¡nchez listed actions by the United States that he viewed as errors, naming withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and reduced contributions to aid programs and the World Health Organization.

S¡nchez also described Spain’s bilateral stance toward the United States as pragmatic.