Spain Imposes Permanent Arms Embargo on Israel, Citing 'Extermination of Defenseless People'

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced a comprehensive package of measures against Israel, including a permanent ban on weapons sales, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The move comes as Sánchez intensified his criticism of Israel's military actions, stating, > "One thing is to protect your country and a very different one is to bomb hospitals and starve innocent children. What Israel is doing is exterminating a defenseless people. It is breaking all the laws of humanitarian law. We cannot stand idly by." This declaration reflects Madrid's growing alarm over the situation in the Palestinian territory.

Beyond the arms embargo, the new Spanish policy prohibits ships carrying fuel for Israeli armed forces from docking in Spanish ports and forbids aircraft transporting military material from entering Spanish airspace. Furthermore, individuals deemed to have "directly participated in genocide, human rights violations and war crimes in the Gaza Strip" will be barred from entering Spain. These measures underscore a significant shift in Spain's diplomatic stance towards the conflict.

In addition to punitive measures, Spain has pledged an additional 10 million euros to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), aiming for a total of 150 million euros in humanitarian aid for Gaza by 2026. This financial commitment highlights the dire humanitarian situation, with a UN committee reporting at least 21,000 children disabled in Gaza since the conflict began. The UNRWA chief has previously warned that Gaza is "becoming the graveyard of international humanitarian law."

The Spanish announcement has triggered a sharp diplomatic response from Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused the Spanish government of being "antisemitic" and adopting a "hostile anti-Israeli line." In retaliation, Israel banned two Spanish ministers from entering the country, prompting Madrid to swiftly reject the "false and slanderous accusations" and recall its ambassador from Tel Aviv for consultations.

Prime Minister Sánchez has consistently been one of the European Union's most vocal critics of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Spain had already recognized Palestinian statehood last year, and the new measures reinforce its commitment to supporting the Palestinian population. The Spanish government stated that these actions reflect the majority opinion of Spanish society and are adopted in defense of peace, human rights, and international law.