Madrid: Spain has recalled its ambassador to Israel for consultations following accusations of anti-Semitism from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. The diplomatic rift stems from Spain's recently announced measures against Israel-bound ships and aircraft, which were enacted in response to what Spain describes as genocidal actions in Gaza.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Spanish Foreign Ministry issued a statement rejecting the "false and slanderous accusations of anti-Semitism" made by Israel. The Ministry condemned the ban on two Spanish government members from entering Israel, asserting that the measures concerning Gaza reflect the views of the Spanish populace and align with Spain's commitment to peace, human rights, and international law.
The Ministry emphasized Spain's support for a two-state solution, advocating for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully. It called on Israel to end its occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, cease violence against Palestinian civilians, and lift the humanitarian blockade on Gaza. The statement concluded with a firm stance that Spain would not be deterred from defending peace and human rights.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez earlier unveiled a series of measures aimed at halting what he referred to as "genocide in Gaza." These include a royal decree law to solidify Spain's embargo on arms sales to Israel, a ban on docking rights for ships carrying fuel for the Israeli military, and restrictions on airspace access for state aircraft transporting defense materials to Israel.
Additionally, Spain plans to restrict entry to individuals implicated in genocide and human rights violations in Gaza, a move that could affect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet. Spain will also limit imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank and reduce consular services for Spanish citizens residing there.
On the humanitarian front, Sanchez committed to increasing support for the Palestinian Authority, enhancing Spain's role in the EU mission in Rafah, and launching new cooperative projects. Spain will contribute an extra £10 million to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and aims to increase its humanitarian aid to Gaza to £150 million by 2026.
