Madrid: Spain’s Interior Ministry said on Tuesday it had canceled a contract to buy ammunition from an Israeli firm. The ministry also said that the decision expands the scope of Spain’s pledge not to sell arms to Israel, which also includes purchases. Earlier, Spain had banned the sale of arms to Israel. Not only this, Spain also did not allow a cargo ship carrying weapons from an unknown country to stop at its port.
Cadena Ser radio previously reported that the Guardia Civil police force had agreed to buy more than 15 million 9-mm rounds from an Israeli company called Guardian Ltd. for six million euros ($6.48 million). Spain had announced in October 2023 itself that it would not make any kind of arms deal with Israel. He took this decision after Israel’s attack on Gaza Strip. Spain has also accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Spain issued a statement expressing its opposition to Israel
In a statement, the Spanish Interior Ministry said, “The Government of Spain remains steadfast in its commitment not to sell arms to the Israeli State since the beginning of the armed conflict in the territory of Gaza.” “Although in this case it is the acquisition of ammunition, the Ministry of the Interior has initiated administrative procedures to cancel the purchase,” the statement further said. Israeli companies will also be excluded from any pending tenders, the ministry said.
Spain becomes staunch critic of Israel
Spain has been one of the EU’s harshest critics of Israel’s campaign in Gaza and more recently in southern Lebanon. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged other EU members to respond to Spain and Ireland’s request to suspend the bloc’s free trade agreement because of Israel’s actions.
Protesting against Israeli attack on Gaza
Israel launched its offensive in Gaza in retaliation for an October 7 attack by Hamas militants in southern Israel, which killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures. That offensive earlier this month expanded to include Lebanon as Israel tried to neutralize Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has been waging a year-long campaign against Israel in support of its ally Hamas. The death toll from Israeli air and ground attacks in Gaza has exceeded 43,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.