Spain Bans Arms Sales to Israel in Historic Decision

Kokcha News Agency – In a historic decision, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has declared a comprehensive ban on the purchase and sale of arms to Israel. The decree, which will be approved by the Council of Ministers tomorrow and requires parliamentary approval, includes eight measures to prevent ships or aircraft carrying weapons or fuel for the Israeli military from docking or landing in Spain.

Sanchez reiterated Spain’s support for the Palestinian people, stating that the decision is part of a broader effort to stop the genocide in Gaza and hold those responsible accountable. The move comes in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s continued attacks on Gaza.

Increased Aid to Palestine
In addition to the arms ban, Sanchez announced that Spain will increase aid to the Palestinian National Authority and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The Spanish government will also impose an embargo on products produced in Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.

Sanchez’s Statement
In a televised address, Sanchez explained that these decisions were taken “to stop the genocide in Gaza, pursue the perpetrators of the genocide, and support the Palestinian people.” Notably, Sanchez has begun using the term “genocide” openly when referring to the situation in Gaza.

Support from Deputy Prime Minister
Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor and Social Economy, Yolanda Diaz, also expressed strong support for the measures. In a post on the social media platform Blusky, Diaz wrote, “The Spanish Embassy should be removed from Tel Aviv. Palestine is waiting for us.”

Diaz, a member of the smaller coalition partner Sumar, emphasized that Spain must do more to stop the genocide, stating, “This is why we are in government. Last week, we communicated this to our coalition partner (the Socialist Workers’ Party). Our country should have done more to stop the genocide.”