Spain cancels ammunition contract with Israeli firm
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Spain has been among the EU's most vocal critics of "Israel's" genocidal campaign in Gaza, calling for increased EU measures against Tel Aviv.
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Police officers walk by a police armoured vehicle before the last stage of La Vuelta cycling race in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP)
Spain's Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday that it is canceling a contract to purchase ammunition from an Israeli company, broadening its previous decision to halt arms sales to "Israel" to include acquisitions as well.
Earlier, Spanish radio station Cadena Ser reported that the Guardia Civil police force had agreed to buy more than 15 million 9-mm rounds for a contract worth approximately €6 million from Guardian LTD.
The contract had been awarded on October 21, but Spain's Interior Ministry has now initiated an administrative process to void the purchase.
"The Spanish government maintains the commitment not to sell weapons to the Israeli state since the armed conflict broke out in the territory of Gaza," the ministry stated, clarifying that even in cases of procurement, Israeli companies will no longer be eligible for future tenders.
Taking a stand on Gaza
Spain has been among the EU's most vocal critics of "Israel's" genocidal campaign in Gaza, calling for increased EU measures.
On October 23, the Spanish Defense Ministry told the newspaper El Pais that Spain has halted its military purchases from "Israel."
In May, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez joined Ireland and Norway in urging the EU to suspend its free trade agreement with "Israel".
Read more: Palestinian factions praise Ireland, Spain, Norway's state recognition
Spain also condemned recent Israeli attacks on UNIFIL positions in Lebanon, where Israeli forces struck the UN peacekeeping headquarters in Naqura, injuring two UN personnel.
In a statement issued on October 11, 2024, the Spanish government demanded an immediate halt to these attacks, recalling "Israel's" obligations under international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which seeks to maintain peace along the Palestinian-Lebanon border.
Spain's statement was part of a joint condemnation with France and Italy, expressing grave concerns over the continued targeting of UN troops.
