Spain Imposes Permanent Arms Embargo on Israel, Citing “Measures to Stop Genocide in Gaza”

Madrid,Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Monday a permanent ban on arms and ammunition sales to Israel, describing the move as part of efforts to “stop genocide in Gaza.”

Under the decision, ships and planes carrying weapons to Israel will no longer be allowed to dock at Spanish ports or cross Spanish airspace. Sánchez said Spain would also increase aid to the Palestinian Authority and to UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

In addition, Spain will impose a ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, aligning with international calls that such settlements violate international law.

Sánchez stressed that Spain seeks to play an “active role in supporting peace and justice in the Middle East,” calling on the European Union and other states to adopt similar measures.

Israel has not yet responded to Spain’s announcement, which marks one of the strongest policy shifts by a European Union member in response to the ongoing war in Gaza.