Israel Expels Spain from Gaza Ceasefire Coordination Center

Jerusalem,— Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the expulsion of Spanish representatives from the US-backed Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, which oversees humanitarian aid and ceasefire implementation in Gaza.
The decision was made in coordination with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Netanyahu stated that Spain’s position and recent statements “do not align with the framework of this cooperation” and accused Madrid of “blatant anti-Israel bias” and “obsessive hostility” toward Israel.
The CMCC, located in Kiryat Gat (about 19 km from the Gaza border), was established as part of the US-proposed ceasefire agreement to coordinate humanitarian relief, logistics, and monitoring of the fragile truce in Gaza.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares have repeatedly criticized Israeli military operations. In recent days, Spain strongly condemned Israeli strikes on Lebanon, accused Israel of violating international law and the ceasefire, and called for the European Union to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel. Sánchez has also been vocal against Israeli actions during the broader conflict involving Iran.
Israeli officials described Spain’s stance as incompatible with participation in a mechanism meant to support the ceasefire framework.
This move highlights growing diplomatic tensions between Israel and several European countries that have taken a strong pro-Palestinian or critical stance toward Israeli policies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Spain has previously withdrawn its ambassador from Israel and canceled major arms deals with the country.