Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday (Sep 22) urged the United Nations to admit Palestine as a full member state, stepping up his calls for recognition at a French-led summit in New York. Calling the summit, which Israel and its chief backer, the United States, did not attend, "only the beginning", Sanchez insisted that the process of Palestine joining the United Nations must be completed soon.<h2>The process needs to be completed soon: Sanchez</h2>“This conference marks a milestone, but it’s not the end of the road. It’s only the beginning,” Sanchez told the UN General Assembly. “The State of Palestine must be a full member of the United Nations," he insisted.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-us-labels-recognition-of-palestinian-state-by-uk-australia-canada-and-other-allies-performative-israel-gaza-war-1758504199285">US State Department labels recognition of Palestinian state by UK and other allies 'performative': Report</a>The Spanish PM told the landmark UK summit that the process of Palestine's state joining the UN as a full member state "must be completed as soon as possible, on an equal footing with other states.”Sanchez, one of Europe’s fiercest critics of Israel’s war in Gaza, also called for “immediate measures to stop the barbarism and make peace possible.” Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, formally recognised Palestine in May, prompting sharp pushback from Israel.Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas, who was not allowed to attend in person by Washington, addressed the summit virtually and urged Hamas to surrender its weapons to his administration. “We also condemn the killing and detention of civilians, including Hamas actions on October 7, 2023,” he said.<h2>Netanyahu stands firm against Palestinian statehood</h2>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to block Palestinian statehood, while far-right ministers in his coalition openly advocate annexing the West Bank. “It will not happen. No Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River,” Netanyahu said in a televised address, denouncing the recognition push as “absurd” and a danger to Israel’s survival. He vowed instead to expand Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, which Israel has controlled since 1967 in defiance of international law.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-recognise-palestine-today-despite-israel-slamming-move-as-rewarding-terrorism-was-the-move-delayed-by-trump-visit-1758428851590">UK to recognise Palestine today despite Israel slamming move as 'rewarding terrorism'. Was it delayed by Trump's visit?</a>The Biden administration has also opposed the latest push, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying President Trump views recognition as “a reward to Hamas.” On Sunday (Sep 21), a US State Department spokesperson, while addressing the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by Britain, Australia, Canada, and Portugal, said that America's "focus remains on serious diplomacy, not performative gestures."&nbsp;

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for the admission of Palestine as a full member state. He stated that the process “must be completed as soon as possible, on an equal footing with other states.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday (Sep 22) urged the United Nations to admit Palestine as a full member state, stepping up his calls for recognition at a French-led summit in New York. Calling the summit, which Israel and its chief backer, the United States, did not attend, "only the beginning", Sanchez insisted that the process of Palestine joining the United Nations must be completed soon. The process needs to be completed soon: Sanchez “This conference marks a milestone, but it’s not the end of the road. It’s only the beginning,” Sanchez told the UN General Assembly. “The State of Palestine must be a full member of the United Nations," he insisted. Also read | US State Department labels recognition of Palestinian state by UK and other allies 'performative': Report The Spanish PM told the landmark UK summit that the process of Palestine's state joining the UN as a full member state "must be completed as soon as possible, on an equal footing with other states.” Sanchez, one of Europe’s fiercest critics of Israel’s war in Gaza, also called for “immediate measures to stop the barbarism and make peace possible.” Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, formally recognised Palestine in May, prompting sharp pushback from Israel. Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas, who was not allowed to attend in person by Washington, addressed the summit virtually and urged Hamas to surrender its weapons to his administration. “We also condemn the killing and detention of civilians, including Hamas actions on October 7, 2023,” he said. Netanyahu stands firm against Palestinian statehood Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to block Palestinian statehood, while far-right ministers in his coalition openly advocate annexing the West Bank. “It will not happen. No Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River,” Netanyahu said in a televised address, denouncing the recognition push as “absurd” and a danger to Israel’s survival. He vowed instead to expand Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, which Israel has controlled since 1967 in defiance of international law. Also read | UK to recognise Palestine today despite Israel slamming move as 'rewarding terrorism'. Was it delayed by Trump's visit? The Biden administration has also opposed the latest push, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying President Trump views recognition as “a reward to Hamas.” On Sunday (Sep 21), a US State Department spokesperson, while addressing the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by Britain, Australia, Canada, and Portugal, said that America's "focus remains on serious diplomacy, not performative gestures."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for the admission of Palestine as a full member state. He stated that the process “must be completed as soon as possible, on an equal footing with other states.”

Spain's Sanchez demands UN membership for Palestine, slams ‘barbarism’ in Gaza

The Spanish government has cancelled a major arms deal with Israel worth nearly 700 million euros ($825 million). The contract was reportedly for Israeli-designed rocket launchers. This comes after the Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced last week that the Spanish government would “consolidate in law” a ban on the sale or purchase of military equipment from Israel over its operations in Gaza.AFP reported, citing official documents, the contract involved the purchase of 12 SILAM rocket launcher systems derived from the PULS platform, which are made Israeli firm Elbit Systems, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Military Balance.The cancellation of the arms deal, which was first reported by local media and Israeli newspaper Haaretz, was formalised on the official public contracts platform of Spain on September 9, a day before Sanchez revealed measures against Israel. The Spanish prime minister’s leftist government has accused Tel Aviv of “genocide in Gaza.”Spain has also formalised the cancellation of another deal for 168 Israeli anti-tank missile launchers. The contract was valued at 287 million euros and was first reported by the media in June this year.Spanish daily La Vanguardia reported that Sanchez’s government is undertaking a wider review to phase out weapons and technology from Israeli firms from the country’s armed forces.Amid the tense relations between the two countries, Spain recalled its ambassador to Israel last week following heated exchanges over new measures imposed by Sanchez.<h2>Sanchez reiterated ‘deep admiration’ for pro-Palestinians</h2>On Monday, the Spanish prime minister reiterated his “deep admiration” for pro-Palestinian protesters who forced the halt of the final stage of the Vuelta a España, one of the world's biggest cycling races in Spain, over the weekend.Sanchez also urged that Israel should be barred from participating in international sporting competitions “as long as the barbarism continues” in Gaza, like how Russian sports teams were penalised after Moscow invaded Ukraine.“Our position is clear and categorical: as long as barbarity continues, neither Russia nor Israel should participate in any international competition,” he said.

Spain has also formalised the cancellation of another deal for 168 Israeli anti-tank missile launchers. The contract was valued at 287 million euros and was first reported by the media in June this year.

The Spanish government has cancelled a major arms deal with Israel worth nearly 700 million euros ($825 million). The contract was reportedly for Israeli-designed rocket launchers. This comes after the Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced last week that the Spanish government would “consolidate in law” a ban on the sale or purchase of military equipment from Israel over its operations in Gaza. AFP reported, citing official documents, the contract involved the purchase of 12 SILAM rocket launcher systems derived from the PULS platform, which are made Israeli firm Elbit Systems, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Military Balance. The cancellation of the arms deal, which was first reported by local media and Israeli newspaper Haaretz, was formalised on the official public contracts platform of Spain on September 9, a day before Sanchez revealed measures against Israel. The Spanish prime minister’s leftist government has accused Tel Aviv of “genocide in Gaza.” Spain has also formalised the cancellation of another deal for 168 Israeli anti-tank missile launchers. The contract was valued at 287 million euros and was first reported by the media in June this year. Spanish daily La Vanguardia reported that Sanchez’s government is undertaking a wider review to phase out weapons and technology from Israeli firms from the country’s armed forces. Amid the tense relations between the two countries, Spain recalled its ambassador to Israel last week following heated exchanges over new measures imposed by Sanchez. Sanchez reiterated ‘deep admiration’ for pro-Palestinians On Monday, the Spanish prime minister reiterated his “deep admiration” for pro-Palestinian protesters who forced the halt of the final stage of the Vuelta a España, one of the world's biggest cycling races in Spain, over the weekend. Sanchez also urged that Israel should be barred from participating in international sporting competitions “as long as the barbarism continues” in Gaza, like how Russian sports teams were penalised after Moscow invaded Ukraine. “Our position is clear and categorical: as long as barbarity continues, neither Russia nor Israel should participate in any international competition,” he said.

Spain has also formalised the cancellation of another deal for 168 Israeli anti-tank missile launchers. The contract was valued at 287 million euros and was first reported by the media in June this year.

After supporting pro-Palestinians, Spain cancels $825 million arms deal with Israel amid rising tensions

After being pelted with mud by angry demonstrators&nbsp;during the visit to a flood-hit region, the Spanish king said that the people&nbsp;had to "understand the anger and frustration" of the ones affected by the devastation that hit the towns where cars have been left in muddy heaps in streets.&nbsp;

In a social media video, the king called on the public to give the victims "hope and their guarantee that the state in its entirety is present".&nbsp;

During the visit to Valencia, the flood-struck area of Spain, the Spanish king, queen, and prime minister faced aggressive protest as furious locals hurled mud and other objects at them on Sunday (Nov 3) after they felt abandoned by the authorities.&nbsp;

It was a startling show of anger in the worst-hit town in the flood disaster that has killed more than 210 people.

More heavy rain fell on the Valencia region after King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez were forced to leave Paiporta where more than 70 people died in floods last Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miraculous-rescue-woman-survives-three-days-beside-sister-in-laws-body-amid-spain-flood-crisis-772936">Miraculous rescue: Woman survives three days beside sister-in-law’s body in car amid Spain flash flood</a>

Mud hit the monarchs in the face and clothes as they tried to calm the angry crowd in scenes that underscored the fury over the response to the disaster that has now killed at least 217 people with many more still missing.

Videos on social media showed the king constantly hit by mud and authorities tried covering him and taking him out of the place when a few locals were seen shouting at the king's face showing their anger and frustration.&nbsp;

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Tensions rise in Valencia as King Felipe and Queen Letizia face frustration from residents amid devastating floods. 
 
During their visit, locals, expressed anger, throwing mud and eggs at the royal couple.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DANA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DANA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Valencia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Valencia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpainFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpainFloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KingFelipe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KingFelipe</a> 
 
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The king and queen went to a crisis centre in Paiporta. But extra security guards soon had to keep the angry crowd, shouting "murders", away from the royals and prime minister. They put up umbrellas to stop mud from hitting the royal couple.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-spains-king-and-queen-get-mud-pelting-in-flood-hit-town-as-umbrellas-fail-to-save-royal-faces-772971">Watch: Spain's king and queen face mud-pelting, slurs in flood-hit town as umbrellas fail to save royal faces</a>

Most of the fury seemed directed at Prime Minister Sanchez and Valencia regional government head Carlos Mazon.

"I understand the social anger and of course, I'm here to receive it. This is my political and moral obligation," Mazon said in a post on X.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-iranian-journalist-detained-in-iran-for-months-says-us-772963">American-Iranian journalist detained in Iran for months, says US</a>

The rear window of Sanchez's car was broken before he and the local politicians quickly left. The socialist leader said that while he empathised with the "anguish and suffering" of the victims, he condemned "all forms of violence".&nbsp;

Emergency services on Sunday listed 213 dead in the Valencia region, one in Andalusia in the south and three in Castilla-La Mancha neighbouring Valencia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After being pelted with mud by angry demonstrators during the visit to a flood-hit region, the Spanish king said that the people had to "understand the anger and frustration" of the ones affected by the devastation that hit the towns where cars have been left in muddy heaps in streets.

After being pelted with mud by angry demonstrators during the visit to a flood-hit region, the Spanish king said that the people had to "understand the anger and frustration" of the ones affected by the devastation that hit the towns where cars have been left in muddy heaps in streets. In a social media video, the king called on the public to give the victims "hope and their guarantee that the state in its entirety is present". During the visit to Valencia, the flood-struck area of Spain, the Spanish king, queen, and prime minister faced aggressive protest as furious locals hurled mud and other objects at them on Sunday (Nov 3) after they felt abandoned by the authorities. It was a startling show of anger in the worst-hit town in the flood disaster that has killed more than 210 people. More heavy rain fell on the Valencia region after King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez were forced to leave Paiporta where more than 70 people died in floods last Tuesday. Also read | Miraculous rescue: Woman survives three days beside sister-in-law’s body in car amid Spain flash flood Mud hit the monarchs in the face and clothes as they tried to calm the angry crowd in scenes that underscored the fury over the response to the disaster that has now killed at least 217 people with many more still missing. Videos on social media showed the king constantly hit by mud and authorities tried covering him and taking him out of the place when a few locals were seen shouting at the king's face showing their anger and frustration. Tensions rise in Valencia as King Felipe and Queen Letizia face frustration from residents amid devastating floods. During their visit, locals, expressed anger, throwing mud and eggs at the royal couple.#DANA #Valencia #Spain #SpainFloods #KingFelipe pic.twitter.com/fiEcAa9ZXK — Mr. Shaz (@Wh_So_Serious) November 3, 2024 × The king and queen went to a crisis centre in Paiporta. But extra security guards soon had to keep the angry crowd, shouting "murders", away from the royals and prime minister. They put up umbrellas to stop mud from hitting the royal couple. Also read | Watch: Spain's king and queen face mud-pelting, slurs in flood-hit town as umbrellas fail to save royal faces Most of the fury seemed directed at Prime Minister Sanchez and Valencia regional government head Carlos Mazon. "I understand the social anger and of course, I'm here to receive it. This is my political and moral obligation," Mazon said in a post on X. Also read | American-Iranian journalist detained in Iran for months, says US The rear window of Sanchez's car was broken before he and the local politicians quickly left. The socialist leader said that while he empathised with the "anguish and suffering" of the victims, he condemned "all forms of violence". Emergency services on Sunday listed 213 dead in the Valencia region, one in Andalusia in the south and three in Castilla-La Mancha neighbouring Valencia. (With inputs from agencies)

'Understand the anger': Spanish king reacts after facing furious locals at flood-hit region

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that he reached Kyiv early on Saturday to hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as the country kicked off its European Union's presidency. 
 
"In Kyiv already. I wanted the first act of the Spanish presidency of the Council of the European Union to be in Ukraine" with its president, wrote Sanchez on his official Twitter account, stating he would convey "all of Europe's solidarity". 
 
"We will keep supporting the Ukrainian people until peace returns to Europe," added the prime minister, who had announced his visit during an EU summit on Thursday, claiming that its aim was to show the "unfaltering support" of the EU for Kyiv as it continues to battle the Russian invasion.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-orders-tighter-security-at-ukraine-belarus-border-after-arrival-of-wagner-fighters-610721">Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security at Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters</a>

A year ago, Ukraine was given the EU candidacy status and this year, it hopes to start formal negotiations on what it is required to do to firm up its membership bid.

<h2 lang="en-US">Kyiv plans to win over LatAm through Spain's presidency</h2>

Ukraine has been hoping to use the EU presidency of Spain to try to "gain influence" in Latin America, where many countries have opposed the efforts of Kyiv to retake territories which have been occupied by Russia, said President Volodymyr Zelensky, while speaking to Spanish media. 
 
Speaking on Friday, Zelensky said that the invitation to participate in an EU-Latin American summit in Brussels on July 17-18 was extended to him by Sanchez, however, many unspecified countries had blocked it. 
 
"We have a peace formula, and Pedro has supported us a lot. He has a constant dialogue with Latin America and they listen to him, it's a fact. But I'll say frankly that some Latin American countries are blocking the decision and this invitation," he stated, in remarks from Kyiv which aired by state broadcaster TVE.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war environmental damage: Greta Thunberg discusses with Zelensky

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-environmental-damage-greta-thunberg-discusses-with-zelensky-610578/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
"I want them not only to join the peace formula but to stand against war," he stated. Earlier this year, Western countries were irritated by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva when he stated that the West had been "encouraging" war by arming Ukraine. 
 
Zelensky, in the interview, also appealed for a concrete plan for Ukraine to join NATO. Kyiv has been working with allies to get major international support for a peace blueprint, without any territorial compromises. 
 
Senior officials from the EU, Ukraine, G7 countries, and nations like Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey held a meeting on Saturday in Denmark to discuss the concept and stated that some progress was made by them, however, any summit for endorsing a document was at least months away.&nbsp;

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that he reached Kyiv early on Saturday to hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as the country kicked off its European Union's presidency.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that he reached Kyiv early on Saturday to hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as the country kicked off its European Union's presidency. "In Kyiv already. I wanted the first act of the Spanish presidency of the Council of the European Union to be in Ukraine" with its president, wrote Sanchez on his official Twitter account, stating he would convey "all of Europe's solidarity". "We will keep supporting the Ukrainian people until peace returns to Europe," added the prime minister, who had announced his visit during an EU summit on Thursday, claiming that its aim was to show the "unfaltering support" of the EU for Kyiv as it continues to battle the Russian invasion. ALSO READ | Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security at Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters A year ago, Ukraine was given the EU candidacy status and this year, it hopes to start formal negotiations on what it is required to do to firm up its membership bid. Kyiv plans to win over LatAm through Spain's presidency Ukraine has been hoping to use the EU presidency of Spain to try to "gain influence" in Latin America, where many countries have opposed the efforts of Kyiv to retake territories which have been occupied by Russia, said President Volodymyr Zelensky, while speaking to Spanish media. Speaking on Friday, Zelensky said that the invitation to participate in an EU-Latin American summit in Brussels on July 17-18 was extended to him by Sanchez, however, many unspecified countries had blocked it. "We have a peace formula, and Pedro has supported us a lot. He has a constant dialogue with Latin America and they listen to him, it's a fact. But I'll say frankly that some Latin American countries are blocking the decision and this invitation," he stated, in remarks from Kyiv which aired by state broadcaster TVE. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war environmental damage: Greta Thunberg discusses with Zelensky "I want them not only to join the peace formula but to stand against war," he stated. Earlier this year, Western countries were irritated by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva when he stated that the West had been "encouraging" war by arming Ukraine. Zelensky, in the interview, also appealed for a concrete plan for Ukraine to join NATO. Kyiv has been working with allies to get major international support for a peace blueprint, without any territorial compromises. Senior officials from the EU, Ukraine, G7 countries, and nations like Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey held a meeting on Saturday in Denmark to discuss the concept and stated that some progress was made by them, however, any summit for endorsing a document was at least months away. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Spanish PM Sanchez reaches Kyiv to kick off Madrid's EU presidency

In an unusual turn of events, a joint news conference between Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at an airbase was halted as Spanish jets took to the air to tackle Russian jets in the Baltic skies.

The two leaders were speaking with Eurofighter Typhoon&nbsp;in the background in Lithuania when the incident occurred in real-time.

The press conference had to be cut short as Lithuanian pilots began running towards their plane. President Nauseda and PM Pedro Sanchez were&nbsp;led away by officials to make way for the jets as it took off.

<img alt="Spanish Eurofighter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f6a8a21e-c791-43af-b7cd-99fc75d62b9d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Spanish1.jpg" />

Lithuanian army said later that Spanish jets took off after a military jet had taken off from Russia's Kaliningrad region. The Spanish jets were based in Lithuania on a NATO mission.

After the press conference resumed, PM Sanchez said: "We have seen a real-life case of what happens and precisely it justifies the presence of Spanish troops with the seven Eurofighters in Lithuania."

Sánchez added that the press conference was interrupted by a "real call" while confirming that the fighter jets took off in less than 15 minutes.

“Thanks to Pedro (Sánchez), we have really seen how our air policing mission works,” the Lithuanian president added.

Lithuania does not have a fighter jet of its own and depends on NATO for its air security.

Lithuanian defence minister Arvydas Anusauskas said that an alarm had gone off at the Siauliai airbase where the two leaders were holding a press conference.

(With input from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

In an unusual turn of events, a joint news conference between Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at an airbase was halted as Spanish jets took to the air to tackle Russian jets in the Baltic skies.

In an unusual turn of events, a joint news conference between Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at an airbase was halted as Spanish jets took to the air to tackle Russian jets in the Baltic skies. The two leaders were speaking with Eurofighter Typhoon in the background in Lithuania when the incident occurred in real-time. The press conference had to be cut short as Lithuanian pilots began running towards their plane. President Nauseda and PM Pedro Sanchez were led away by officials to make way for the jets as it took off. Lithuanian army said later that Spanish jets took off after a military jet had taken off from Russia's Kaliningrad region. The Spanish jets were based in Lithuania on a NATO mission. After the press conference resumed, PM Sanchez said: "We have seen a real-life case of what happens and precisely it justifies the presence of Spanish troops with the seven Eurofighters in Lithuania." Sánchez added that the press conference was interrupted by a "real call" while confirming that the fighter jets took off in less than 15 minutes. “Thanks to Pedro (Sánchez), we have really seen how our air policing mission works,” the Lithuanian president added. Lithuania does not have a fighter jet of its own and depends on NATO for its air security. Lithuanian defence minister Arvydas Anusauskas said that an alarm had gone off at the Siauliai airbase where the two leaders were holding a press conference. (With input from Agencies)

Spanish PM's news conference halted as jet scrambled over Russian warplane