Spain denies docking to US weapons vessels bound for 'Israel'
3 Min Read
The Spanish government has refused docking permission to two US cargo vessels, the Maersk Denver and the Maersk Seletar, which are suspected of carrying weapons destined for "Israel" amid the Gaza genocide.
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View of the Enagas regasification plant at the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal of the port of Barcelona on December 15, 2022 (AFP)
The Spanish government has denied docking permission to two US cargo vessels suspected of transporting weapons for "Israel". On November 7, a spokesperson for the Spanish Foreign =Ministry told El Pais that the Maersk Denver, which departed New York on October 31, and the Maersk Seletar, which left on November 4, “will not stop in Spain.”
Lawmaker Enrique Santiago had previously urged the attorney general to take action in light of the two cargo ships' plans to dock in Spain, scheduled to arrive on November 9 and 14, warning that their arrival at the Port of Algeciras would violate the country's penal code.
In May, Spain announced a ban on ships carrying military material bound for "Israel" from docking at its ports. However, an investigation by Progressive International and the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) revealed that at least 25 US arms shipments to "Israel" stopped at the Port of Algeciras between May and September.
At the time, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in response to the investigation, “We are studying the information with the ministries responsible for the control and entry of goods into the national territory to clarify what happened.”
“If the information is confirmed, all necessary measures will be taken. The MFA has made and continues to make repeated appeals to tighten controls so as to ensure strict compliance with its decisions on this matter,” the spokesperson added.
Last week, Spain canceled a contract to purchase ammunition from an Israeli company for its Civil Guard police force. The Interior Ministry announced, “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… Although in this case it is an acquisition of ammunition, the Interior Ministry has initiated the administrative procedure to cancel the purchase.”
Spain bars Israeli companies from major defense expo
Earlier this month, Spanish Defense Secretary Amparo Valcarce announced that Israeli companies are barred from participating in the upcoming 2025 International Defence and Security Exhibition (FEINDEF) in Madrid.
In a statement, Valcarce emphasized that this move came as part of Spain's commitment to promoting peace in Palestine and Lebanon while upholding international humanitarian law.
The decision comes as "Israel" persists with its aggression across the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon, including a recent attack wherein Israeli soldiers assaulted international delegates, including Spanish citizens, in the occupied West Bank.
The delegation, which featured former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and European Parliament member Jaume Asens, was present to support Palestinian olive harvesters when they faced tear gas from Israeli occupation forces.
FEINDEF, recognized as one of the world's leading defense fairs, is set to host over 400 companies in Madrid from May 12 to 14.
Read more: Spain cancels ammunition contract with Israeli firm
