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Spain Blocks Arms Shipments to Israel
Spain denies port access to two US ships suspected of carrying weapons to Israel, escalating tensions and raising concerns about international law.
Spanish
Spain
PoliticsInternational RelationsMiddle EastIsraelArms TradeEmbargo
Spanish GovernmentMinistry Of Foreign AffairsPceSumarMaersk
Enrique SantiagoMargarita RoblesPablo Bustinduy
- Why did the Spanish government deny port access to the two US vessels?
- The Spanish government denied port access in Algeciras to two US vessels suspected of carrying weaponry to Israel. The decision follows a request from a Spanish MP who raised concerns about potential violations of international law.
- What is the stated policy of the Spanish government regarding arms sales and shipments to Israel?
- The two ships, Maresk Denver and Maersk Seletar, were en route from New York to Israel. The Spanish government stated that no armament sales to Israel have been approved since October 7, 2022, and that no ships carrying arms to the Middle East have been granted port access since then.
- Have there been previous instances of ships being denied port access in Spain for similar reasons?
- Besides the two vessels denied entry, the Spanish government previously blocked another ship, Marianne Danica, from docking in Cartagena, Spain, in May. This ship was also suspected of carrying weaponry to Israel.
- What actions has the Spanish government taken regarding arms sales and purchases involving Israel?
- In addition to the de facto embargo on arms sales to Israel, Spain suspended the purchase of military equipment from Israel on October 22, 2023. This includes cancelling a contract for the purchase of ammunition for the Civil Guard.
- What are the allegations made by the Spanish MP regarding the volume of military supplies passing through Algeciras?
- A Spanish MP requested an investigation into reports that 1,185 vessels carrying 13,000 tons of military supplies for Israel passed through Algeciras between May and September 2023. This MP claims this would violate a government agreement.