Spain not to partake in US-led naval coalition against Yemen
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Although no specific reason was provided, the Spanish press reported on Sunday that the decision not to participate was influenced by domestic political considerations.
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An SH-60 Seahawk helicopter prepares to land aboard the Spanish Navy frigate Alvaro de Bazan (F101) while underway in the Persian Gulf, 2 December 2005 (U.S. Navy photo / Wikimedia Commons)
Spain announced on Sunday its decision not to partake in a US-led coalition aimed at safeguarding Red Sea shipping for Israeli-linked vessels from operations carried out by the Yemeni armed forces.
The Yemeni armed forces have carried out several operations on Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea in support of Palestinians during the Israeli-led genocide in Gaza.
The Pentagon announced on Thursday that 20 nations had joined the coalition to allegedly safeguard the shipping route.
Spain's government has recently maintained a stance generally inclined towards Palestine and on Sunday, a spokesperson for the defense ministry informed AFP that Spain "will not participate."
Read more: 'Israel' recalls ambassador from Madrid after Spanish PM criticism
Although no specific reason was provided, the Spanish press reported on Sunday that the decision not to participate was influenced by domestic political considerations.
Sanaa welcomed Spain's position, with Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein al-Ezzi saying "We highly appreciate Spain's refusal to be drawn into American and British lies on the issue of maritime navigation".
Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder stated on Thursday that coalition forces would function as "a highway patrol of sorts, patrolling the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to respond to -- and assist as necessary -- commercial vessels that are transiting this vital international waterway".
Solution needed for 'Israel'-Palestine coexistence
During a phone call on Saturday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez notified US President Joe Biden of his readiness to follow a political solution that would bring a peaceful and secure "coexistence" between "Israel" and Palestine.
Sanchez took to social media platform X to say, "I just had a telephone conversation with President Joe Biden ... We discussed the dramatic situation in Gaza, and I expressed my willingness to seek a political solution that will make it possible for the State of Palestine and the State of Israel to coexist in peace and security".
According to Sanchez, both leaders reiterated the need to back transatlantic unity to overcome global challenges.
Sanchez has previously raised concerns about the footage depicting the increasing civilian death toll in Gaza, mainly among children, and stated, "I have serious doubts Israel is complying with international humanitarian law."
He condemned the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians, particularly thousands of children, deeming such actions "completely unacceptable".
Read more: 'Victory for Palestine closer than ever before': Spanish MEP
