MADRID, Sept 17, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Spain's King Felipe VI on Tuesday denounced the "unspeakable suffering" of hundreds of thousands of Gazans under Israeli bombardment in the Palestinian territory, in a rare political intervention.

"The latest episode in this conflict... has degenerated into an unbearable humanitarian crisis, the unspeakable suffering of hundreds of thousands of innocent people and the total devastation of Gaza," the monarch said during a visit to Egypt.

Felipe, who rarely speaks out on international issues, noted his trip "is taking place at a turbulent and tragic time for the region".

The Spanish government, which recognised the State of Palestine in May 2024, has become one of Israel's fiercest critics in Europe.

On Sunday, the final stage of the Vuelta cycling race was cancelled because of pro-Palestinian demonstrations that saw some 100,000 people take to the streets of Madrid, according to local authorities.

Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez later expressed his "deep admiration" for the protesters, while also suggesting excluding Israel from sports competitions "as long as the barbarity continues" in Gaza.

Israel has not had an ambassador in Madrid since 2024.

Last week, Spain recalled its ambassador to Israel amid heated exchanges after Sanchez's government announced measures aimed at stopping "the genocide in Gaza".