Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Monday that Israel and Russia should be barred from participating in international sports competitions until the “barbaric actions” cease, referring to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.اضافة اعلان

Sánchez condemned violent protests by pro-Palestinian demonstrators on Sunday in Madrid, which disrupted the Vuelta a España cycling race, ultimately forcing the cancellation of the final stage and the awards ceremony.

He expressed “deep admiration for Spanish civil society taking a stand against injustice,” following the demonstrations that led to the race’s cancellation.

Sánchez, who has been critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and prioritizes the Palestinian issue, stated that Israel should not participate in “any international competition… as long as the brutality continues” in Gaza. He drew parallels with Russia, whose athletes have faced sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.

(Reuters + AFP)