THE EUROPEAN UNION CONDEMNS IRANIAN ATTACK ON ISRAEL; SPAIN IS “GREATLY CONCERNED”

Qiam 1 (Persian, meaning “uprising”), short-range ballistic missile in service from 2010 – present

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Statement by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen,  14 April 2024
© European Union, 1995-2024 CC BY4.0

Yesterday, Iran launched a massive attack against Israel, using drones and missiles. Such a direct Iranian attack against Israel is unprecedented.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Today, we the Leaders of the G7 condemned this in the strongest terms. We express our solidarity and support to the people of Israel and reaffirm our unshakable commitment towards its security.

Iran’s actions risk provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided.

We will continue to work to stabilize the situation.

We call on Iran and its proxies to cease completely the attacks. All parties should exercise maximum restraint.

We also discussed the need to end the crisis in Gaza as soon as possible. This includes an immediate ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages by Hamas. It also includes the increased delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.

Going forward we will reflect on additional sanctions against Iran in close cooperation with our partners. Specifically on its drone and missile programmes.

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SPAIN

Prime Minister Sánchez

Irrespective of Spain’s strong position on the two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israel conflict, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on X: “We are following with the greatest concern the evolution of the situation in the Middle East [on the heels of the Iranian attack on Israel]. One must at all cost avoid a regional escalation.”
One might add that it is precisely for avoiding “a regional escalation,” among other crucial reasons, that the Sánchez government is very active in seeking a two-state solution.

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Featured image/Vahid Reza Alaei/Fars Media Corporation, CC BY4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Von der Leyen/European Commission, EU
Sánchez/Pool Moncloa-Borja Puig de la Bellacasa