Early in the war, Bartov, who grew up in Israel and served in its military, argued Israel’s actions didn’t amount to genocide. He now considers Israel’s actions “a genocidal operation.”Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called Israel’s conduct genocide this month. “Looking at the broader picture of Israel’s military campaign and the cumulative impact of its policies and acts, genocidal intent is the only reasonable conclusion,” it said. “Israel’s actions in Gaza do not constitute genocide—they are legitimate acts of self-defense against an organization that seeks Israel’s destruction,” it said in a statement. Palestinians mourn their relatives killed from an Israeli army bombardment of Gaza, at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City Tuesday, July 22, 2025.