Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez came on Monday from the Moncloa Palace to announce a broad package of measures to address the atrocity in Gaza. This marks a significant shift in Spanish foreign policy, with the goal of increasing pressure on Israel while also strengthening support for the Palestinian people at a key juncture in the conflict.
Restrictive actions towards Israel
The government has issued an urgent arms embargo against Israel, as well as a prohibition on ships carrying petroleum headed for that country transiting through Spanish ports. This is in addition to the decision to refuse access to Spanish airspace to aircraft carrying weapons bound for the combat zone.
Similarly, Spain would restrict entrance to all genocide perpetrators and will tighten controls on items from seized territories. The importation of items from illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is prohibited.
In order to prevent Spanish citizens from remaining in these communities, the Executive would reduce the consular services provided by Spain.
Strengthening support for Palestine
The package of initiatives includes increased collaboration with the Palestinian Authority and major contributions to foreign assistance groups. Specifically, Spain would provide an additional €10 million to UNRWA, the UN organisation for Palestinian refugees, whose financing has been reduced in recent months by several Western countries.
In addition, the government will expand humanitarian aid to Gaza’s inhabitants to €150 million in order to mitigate the effects of the military onslaught and ensure access to basic health supplies, water, and food.
The listing that was announced:
- Arms ban on Israel.
- Ships carrying fuel are prohibited from transiting through Spanish ports.
- Aircraft carrying armaments intended for Israel are denied entry to airspace.
- Deny admittance to Spain to anyone involved in genocide.
- Prohibition on importing goods from unlawful settlements
- Consular services are limited to Spanish residents residing in certain settlements.
- Increasing support for the Palestinian Authority.
- Increase the Spanish contribution to UNRWA by an additional 10 million euros
- Increase up to 150 million euros in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Political Context and Scope
The sanctions represent a shift in Spain’s posture on the conflict, putting it closer to the more forceful policies of the European Union. At the same time, the declaration tries to respond to pressure from Sumar, the government’s primary partner, who had recently called for such broad measures, which the PSOE had opposed. With this package, Spain joins the European countries that have imposed the strongest penalties on Israel while also consolidating its humanitarian and diplomatic support for Palestine in the context of the Gaza situation.
Author: Derek Appleton
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