Spain Leads Effort to Pressure Israel with Arms Embargo Call

Spain Leads Push for Arms Embargo Against Israel

Spain is at the forefront of a multinational initiative to increase pressure on Israel, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has announced a call for a comprehensive arms embargo against the Israeli government.

Proposed Sanctions and Trade Suspension

Albares also suggested targeted sanctions against individuals perceived as obstructing progress towards a two-state solution. He emphasized the need to halt what he described as Israel's "inhumane" war in Gaza. The proposal includes a potential suspension of the European Union's trade partnership with Israel, which is currently under review by Brussels.

International Support and Criticism

Spain's stance, along with similar recognitions of Palestine by Ireland, Slovenia, and Norway, positions it as one of the EU's most vocal critics of Israeli policies. Albares maintained that these actions are not directed against Israel itself, but rather aimed at ensuring the Palestinian people have equal rights to peace and security.

Madrid Meeting and Global Response

The Madrid meeting saw participation from European nations such as France, the UK, Germany, and Italy, as well as countries from the Arab world, Brazil, and Turkey. This international push comes as several Western allies are also urging Israel to de-escalate its military operations against Hamas in Gaza. The conflict, triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023, has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by restrictions on aid entering the region. Albares condemned silence as complicity in the ongoing crisis, stating, "Silence in these moments is complicity in this massacre... that is why we are meeting."