Spanish Government Declares Weapons Embargo on Israel

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced an arms embargo on Israel as part of a package of measures aimed, in his words, at “stopping the genocide in Gaza.”

The nine measures, which take effect immediately, include a travel ban on individuals directly linked to what Sánchez described as a “massacre,” increased humanitarian aid for Gaza, additional funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and a ban on imports from Israeli settlements.

“Spain will be on the right side of history,” Sánchez said, reaffirming his strong criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. He added: “This is no longer a defence, it is not even an attack, it is the extermination of a defenceless people.” He also condemned what he called the “indifference” and “complicity” of the international community.

The Spanish government said its aim is to both support Palestinians and ensure accountability for those responsible for civilian attacks.

The United Nations defines genocide as acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. South Africa has already filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza.

Israel has rejected the genocide accusation, insisting that Hamas uses civilians as human shields and bears responsibility for the humanitarian crisis.