Spain approves 'total arms embargo' over Gaza genocide
Spain's ban affects weapons trade, dual-use tech, and settlement goods, as PM Sanchez condemns the genocide in Gaza.
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Palestinians run for cover during an Israeli airstrike on a high-rise building in Gaza City, on September 5, 2025 (AP)
Spain’s government has approved a “total” arms embargo on “Israel", in what officials described as a pioneering international step to halt the genocide in Gaza.
The decree, announced Tuesday, bans all exports of defense materials and dual-use technologies to “Israel", as well as the import of such equipment into Spain. It also blocks requests for the transit of aircraft fuel with potential military applications and prohibits the import and advertising of products originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo hailed the measure as "historic". “This decree is a big step forward and is pioneering at the international level when it comes to a total arms embargo on Israel,” he told reporters after the cabinet approved the move.
Consolidating previous measures
The Spanish government noted that the decree formalizes in law restrictions already applied since “Israel” launched its Gaza offensive. While it will come into effect immediately, it must still receive approval from parliament, where Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s coalition government lacks a majority.
Sanchez announced the embargo earlier this month as part of a package of nine measures to pressure “Israel” to end its aggression.
Sanchez: Gaza genocide 'dark chapter of the 21st century'
Speaking Monday at Columbia University in New York during the UN General Assembly, Sanchez denounced the war on Gaza.
“I do believe that we are witnessing one of the darkest and most terrible events of the 21st century unfold right before our eyes,” he said. “And simply, the international community cannot remain silent and paralysed.”
Sanchez has been among the most vocal European leaders condemning “Israel’s” actions in Gaza, repeatedly calling for accountability and stronger international measures.