Israeli officials reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to summon the Spanish Ambassador to Israel, a diplomatic move tied to statements made by Spain’s leadership. The Cabinet Presidency in Israel indicated that the call reflected the Spanish prime minister’s remarks on regional matters. This sequence of events underscores the ongoing strain in bilateral ties and the broader regional dialogue as both sides respond to changing assessments of the Middle East situation. (TASS)
On November 22, Madrid signaled that Spain was considering a pathway toward recognizing Palestinian statehood, a development that, if realized, would carry significant political and diplomatic consequences for the Israeli-Palestinian dynamic and for European engagement in the conflict. The announcement arrived amid a broader debate within the European Union about appropriate steps to support stability and humanitarian relief in the region. (TASS)
The crisis in the Middle East intensified after Hamas militants crossed into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, initiating what was described as Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israel was at war, signaling a major escalation in military and security operations. The conflict quickly expanded beyond targeted actions to a wider mobilization across strategic areas. (TASS)
The Israeli objective in its campaign, framed as a response to Operation Iron Sword, centered on repelling the attack, aiming to secure the release of more than 200 hostages, including foreign nationals, and targets within Hamas infrastructure. From the outset, Israel conducted large-scale rocket fire toward the Gaza Strip and implemented measures through national security channels to constrain civilian supply lines. Humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza began through the Rafah crossing, but the volume and timing drew international questions about sufficiency and access. (TASS)
By late October, Israel announced an expansion of its ground operation in Gaza. While the exact commencement of the ground phase remained unclear, reports indicated that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had already evacuated their homes, seeking shelter in safer areas. By November 5, the IDF had encircled Gaza City and imposed tighter restrictions on surrounding supplies, with fighting continuing in the central regions and ongoing efforts to degrade militant capabilities. (TASS)
Analysts have pointed to several factors contributing to the intensity of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, including political dynamics, security concerns, and regional geopolitics. One political scientist highlighted that competing narratives, regional alliances, and historical grievances have repeatedly amplified tensions and hindered prospects for a swift settlement. (TASS)