The Spanish government took a significant step on Tuesday by approving a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel amid escalating conflict in Gaza. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described this move as essential, characterizing the situation in Gaza as “genocide.” The newly enacted decree prohibits all defense material exports and dual-use technologies to Israel, alongside a ban on importing such items back into Spain, according to Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo during a news conference.
In addition to these measures, the decree restricts requests for the transit of aircraft fuel intended for military use and prohibits the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements within the occupied Palestinian territories, including any associated advertising. Cuerpo emphasized the pioneering nature of this decree, highlighting its role as a substantial advancement in international policy regarding arms trade with Israel.
The government underscored that this decree formalizes a previous informal ban on military equipment sales to Israel that had been in place since the onset of recent hostilities in Gaza. Although the decree will take effect immediately, it requires subsequent approval from the parliament, where Sanchez’s left-wing coalition currently lacks a majority, complicating its legislative trajectory.
Sanchez unveiled the arms embargo as part of a broader initiative comprising nine distinct measures aimed at responding to the crisis in Gaza. He has emerged as a prominent critic of Israel’s military actions following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which triggered the current escalation. Speaking at an event at Columbia University in New York, coinciding with the opening of the UN General Assembly, Sanchez expressed his belief that the international community must act decisively rather than remain passive in the face of such profound human suffering.
He articulated his deep concern over the dire events unfolding, labeling them as one of the darkest episodes of the 21st century.
