Spain Announces Total Arms Embargo On Israel Over 'Genocide' In Gaza

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced a total arms embargo on Israel and formally labeled the military offensive in Gaza as genocide, marking a significant escalation in Spain's stance on the conflict. Spain has also recalled its ambassador from Israel.

The measures, which include a legal ban on arms sales, restrictions on ships and aircraft carrying military supplies to Israel, and a travel ban on individuals involved in the conflict, were announced in a televised address on Monday.

Sánchez announced a royal decree, to be approved by the Spanish Cabinet and ratified by Congress, that will legally enforce a total embargo on the purchase and sale of arms to Israel. This includes banning ships carrying weapons or fuel for the Israeli military from docking in Spanish ports and prohibiting state aircraft transporting defense equipment from flying through Spanish airspace.

For the first time, Sánchez explicitly used the term "genocide" to describe Israel's actions in Gaza, citing the deaths of approximately 60,000 people, the displacement of two million, and the starvation of civilians, which he stated violates international law. He emphasized the distinction between self-defense and bombing hospitals or starving children.

The government will ban entry into Spain for anyone directly participating in the alleged genocide, including Israeli government and military officials. Spain will also increase humanitarian aid to Gaza by $175 million by 2026, provide an additional $11.7 million to UNRWA, and prohibit the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza.

Sánchez acknowledged Spain's limited power in the conflict but stated the country has a duty to act and stand on the "right side of history." He emphasized Spain's support for a two-state solution and rejected calls to sever diplomatic ties, arguing it would hinder peace efforts. The move follows Spain's earlier recognition of Palestine as a state.

Responding, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Sánchez of antisemitism and corruption, and banning entry to Spanish ministers. Yolanda Díaz and Sira Rego Saar also criticized the timing, noting a separate attack by Palestinian militants in Israel occurred on the same day.

Spain recalled its ambassador from Israel hours after imposing the arms embargo and after Sa’ar's antisemitism remark