Spain has banned ships and aircraft carrying weapons or military jet fuel to Israel from using its ports and airspace, in one of the toughest measures taken by a European government over the war in Gaza.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the decision in a televised address, describing it as a way to put pressure on Israel’s government to ease the suffering of Palestinians.

Alongside the weapons ban, Spain will also block products from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, increase aid to the Palestinian Authority and the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and stop entry for anyone directly involved in what he called genocide in Gaza.

Israel rejected the allegations of genocide and denounced Spain’s actions. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Sánchez of antisemitism and said the Spanish leader was trying to distract from domestic corruption scandals.

In response, Israel imposed an entry ban on Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz and Youth Minister Sira Rego, both members of the left-wing Sumar party, which is part of Sánchez’s coalition government.

Spain responded, saying Israel’s ban on its ministers was unacceptable. The Spanish Foreign Ministry said the measures reflect public opinion and Spain’s commitment to human rights, peace, and international law.

The Israeli government is currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Israel insists its military actions in Gaza do not amount to genocide.

The war began in October 2023, when Hamas fighters attacked Israeli communities, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages.

References: Reuters, Middle East Monitor

Source: www.marineinsight.com