Spain formally imposes arms embargo on Israel over Gaza conflict

Spain officially imposed a total arms embargo on Israel on Tuesday as part of a package of measures aimed at “halting genocide in Gaza.”

The cabinet approved the decree, effective immediately, after the move was announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez two weeks ago. The other measures, including entry bans for a number of far-right ministers, had already been passed.

The decree bans trade in armaments, as well as dual-purpose goods and technologies that could be useful to the Israeli military. It also bans the transit of fuel destined for Israel through Spanish ports or airspace if it could be used for military purposes.

Among the “measures against the genocide in Gaza and for the support of the Palestinian population” are entry bans on several Israeli ministers, additional funding for the UN aid agency supporting Palestinians (UNRWA) and a ban on imports from Israeli settlements on the West Bank.

Decrees are provisional in Spain. They take effect immediately, but must be confirmed by parliament within 30 days or be lifted. Observers believe that lawmakers will approve the arms embargo.