Spain is poised to send troops to Palestine for peacekeeping efforts “when the opportunity presents itself,” according to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. This announcement reflects Spain’s ongoing commitment to global peace initiatives, and Sanchez further indicated a willingness to deploy forces to Ukraine as part of international peacekeeping missions.
During a recent gathering of Spanish ambassadors in Madrid, Sanchez articulated his intentions to propose the deployment of peacekeeping troops to Palestine once a viable path for such efforts becomes clear. He emphasized the critical need for reconciliation and stability in the region, stating, “Spain must actively participate in rebuilding hope in Palestine. The situation there remains intolerable.”
He did not shy away from addressing Spain’s readiness to assist Ukraine, reiterating that the current circumstances are “critical” for achieving peace in the war-torn nation. Sanchez pointed out the inconsistency in Spain’s historical context of deploying troops worldwide, questioning how Spain could neglect to extend this support to Ukraine, a European country.
Despite Sanchez’s resolve, the possibility of foreign peacekeeping troops being deployed in Ukraine faces opposition, notably from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has spoken against such interventions.
Spain’s stance on Palestine has garnered attention, particularly after it recognized the State of Palestine in 2024. The nation has positioned itself as a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which intensified following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel. Last year, in a meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Sanchez advocated for greater awareness of the “dramatic situation” facing Palestinians, highlighting Spain’s diplomatic efforts to foster dialogue and humanitarian support in the region.
As Spain navigates its international commitments, the potential troop deployments signal a proactive approach to peacekeeping in two of the world’s most volatile areas.
