Spain bars port access for 'Israel'-bound weapon shipments

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 May 2024 12:47
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Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares declares that his country will no longer allow ships carrying weapons for "Israel" to dock at its ports.

In this photo provided by Manuel Hernandez Lafuente, the CMA CGM Symi is seen at a port in Valencia, Spain, on Oct. 22, 2023 (AP)

Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced on Friday that the country will not permit ships transporting weapons for "Israel" to call at its ports. This decision comes after Spain refused to let a ship call at the southeastern port of Cartagena.

Albares stated that the ship was the inaugural vessel to be denied entry to a Spanish port. He emphasized that this denial aligns with the government's policy of not issuing weapon export licenses to "Israel" since October 7, as Spain aims to refrain from contributing to wars.

Recognizing Palestine state European geopolitical interest: Spanish PM

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned, on April 10, that "Israel's" "disproportionate" war on Gaza could lead to destabilization in the Middle East, with global ramifications leading to instability in the whole world.

Sanchez emphasized that Europe's geopolitical interests are served by acknowledging a Palestinian state, a move that has faced resistance from "Israel" and its main allies.

During a trip to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Sanchez broached the topic of statehood, suggesting that Spain might formally recognize Palestine as a nation by the conclusion of June.

"The international community cannot help the Palestinian state if it does not recognize its existence," Sanchez told lawmakers on April 10.

Since the commencement of the Israeli aggression on Gaza over seven months ago, the socialist leader has advocated for European acknowledgment of Palestine. In late March, Sanchez, along with counterparts from Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia, endorsed a joint declaration expressing their readiness to recognize Palestine as a potential step toward resolving the Palestinian struggle.