Spanish Parliament Recommends Arms Embargo on Israel

On Tuesday, the Spanish Parliament approved a recommendation calling for an arms embargo on the Israeli occupation—a move considered unprecedented among European positions regarding the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

The recommendation, proposed by the Sumar alliance, the junior partner in the coalition government, received support from the Podemos party and the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC). It passed with 176 votes in favor out of 347 total members, while 171 MPs—mostly from the right-wing opposition People’s Party and the far-right Vox party—voted against it.

The recommendation urges the Spanish government to take action and proposes banning the supply of any materials that may contribute to strengthening the Israeli army in its attacks against the Palestinian people. This includes equipment such as helmets and body armor, and even fuel that could be used for military purposes.

It also calls for amending Spain’s Foreign Trade Law to prohibit military contracts with states involved in or complicit with acts of genocide or crimes against humanity—as is the case with Israel.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with U.S. backing, has been committing genocide in the Gaza Strip, resulting in thousands of martyrs and wounded. International organizations continue to warn of a humanitarian catastrophe and famine due to the ongoing blockade.