Madrid, Spain – September 9, 2025 – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has intensified his government’s criticism of Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, leading to a swift and retaliatory response from Israel. The Spanish leader announced a series of new measures aimed at pressuring the Israeli government to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region, which he described as a “violation of all humanitarian laws.” In response, Israel banned two Spanish ministers from entering the country.
Spain’s New Measures Against Israel
In a press conference, Prime Minister Sánchez unveiled a raft of measures that his government plans to implement to increase pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These actions are intended to build upon Spain’s already outspoken stance against the military offensive in Gaza. The announced measures, which require parliamentary approval, include:
- Formalizing a De Facto Arms Embargo: The Spanish government will formalize an arms embargo against Israel that has been in effect since October 2023.
- Port Ban on Ships Carrying Fuel for Israeli Military: Spain will prohibit ships carrying fuel intended for the Israeli armed forces from passing through its ports.
- Increased Humanitarian Aid: Spain’s humanitarian aid to Gaza will be increased in 2026 to €150 million ($176 million).
- Increased Support for UNRWA: Aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) will be boosted.
- Embargo on Israeli Settlement Goods: Spain will impose an embargo on goods manufactured in Israeli settlements within the occupied Palestinian territories.
- Travel Ban on Individuals: Anyone who has directly participated in what Sánchez termed the “genocide” in Gaza will be barred from entering Spanish territory.
Sánchez acknowledged that these measures might not be enough to halt the invasion but expressed hope that they would serve to add pressure on the Netanyahu government to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population.
Israel’s Response
In a swift reaction to Sánchez’s comments and the announced measures, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused the Spanish Prime Minister of using the issue to divert attention from domestic corruption scandals. Saar characterized Spain’s actions as “antisemitic” and announced that Israel would ban two Spanish ministers from entering the country. The ministers, Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz and Youth Minister Sira Rego, are from the left-wing coalition partner Sumar and were cited for making statements that labeled Israel a “genocidal state” and for supporting boycotts and sanctions against Israel.
Saar downplayed the potential impact of Spain’s actions, stating on X, “If they want to hold or halt defense connections with Israel, who do you think will lose from that? We don’t need Spain to protect the land of Israel.”
Context of Strained Relations
The recent escalation in rhetoric and action comes amid a period of heightened diplomatic tension between Spain and Israel. Last year, Spain, along with Norway and Ireland, formally recognized a Palestinian state. Spain was also the first European country to request permission to join South Africa’s case at a UN court, which accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza.
The Israeli offensive began following an attack by Hamas-led militants on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages. Since then, the offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 64,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
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