Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez awarded the prestigious Order of Civil Merit to UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese on Thursday, recognizing her efforts in documenting alleged violations of international law in the Gaza Strip amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign.

During a meeting in Madrid, Sánchez and Albanese discussed the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Palestine, the importance of upholding international law, and the urgent need to end the violence in Gaza. According to a statement released by the Spanish government, the talks also focused on achieving a lasting peace founded on “dignity and humanity.”

In a message shared on social media, Sánchez praised Albanese for her outspoken advocacy on Palestinian rights, describing her as “a voice that upholds the conscience of the world.” He stressed that political leadership carries a “moral obligation” not to remain silent in the face of injustice.

The Order of Civil Merit is among Spain’s highest civilian distinctions and is granted to individuals who render extraordinary service benefiting society or the state. Albanese’s recognition comes as her criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza has drawn increasing international attention.

An Italian legal scholar, Francesca Albanese has served as the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories since 2022. She has emerged as one of the leading international figures condemning Israel’s operations in Gaza and warning of grave humanitarian and legal consequences.

Earlier this week, Sánchez intensified Spain’s diplomatic pressure by sending a letter to the European Commission urging the activation of the EU Blocking Statute. The measure aims to counter sanctions imposed by the United States against Albanese, as well as judges and prosecutors affiliated with the International Criminal Court.

Speaking to Spanish broadcaster RTVE, Albanese denounced the sanctions campaign, accusing those behind the measures of attempting to silence critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

“It’s like an international mafia -- they want to silence everyone who demands an end to genocide, an end to the crimes,” she said.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares strongly criticized Israel over the continued detention of Spanish-Palestinian activist Saif Abukeshek.

Addressing the Spanish parliament, Albares described the detention as “inadmissible and unacceptable,” revealing that he had summoned Israel’s top envoy in Spain and personally discussed the matter with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

According to Albares, Abukeshek was detained “illegally” in international waters while traveling aboard a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza. The Spanish minister argued that Israel had “no jurisdiction” over the activist in those waters and accused Tel Aviv of violating international law.

“Spain reacted without hesitation, with complete clarity and firmness, in response to violations of international law,” Albares stated, reaffirming Madrid’s increasingly vocal stance regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza and the broader Palestinian issue. (ILKHA)