Spain Urges EU to Suspend Association Agreement with Israel and Enforce Arms Embargo Amid Gaza War
Spain is urging the EU to suspend its association agreement with Israel, enforce a full arms embargo, and expand sanctions, citing violations of human rights and international law amid the war in Gaza.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares calls for the suspension of the EU-Israel agreement and a halt to arms sales during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Photo: EFE
July 15, 2025 Hour: 6:49 am
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has urged the European Union to suspend its association agreement with Israel, enforce an arms embargo, and expand sanctions, citing ongoing violations of human rights and international law during the war in Gaza.
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During the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting held Tuesday in Brussels, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called on fellow EU members to take three concrete measures “at least while the war continues” in Gaza: suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, imposing a ban on arms sales to Israel, and expanding sanctions against individuals undermining a two-state solution.
“I believe there are three actions that could be taken,” Albares said. “The first, suspension of the association agreement, at least while the war lasts.” He described the proposal as “neither extravagant nor extraordinary.”
He emphasized that the EU should act “to stop this war and to make a viable and realistic Palestinian state possible. Exactly the same way we are acting with Ukraine.”
Albares explained that Spain considers a suspension of the agreement logical, given that “if we have concluded that there is a violation of human rights that conflicts with Article 2 of the Association Council, the reasonable step for Spain is to proceed with the suspension of that agreement while this situation continues.”
He further argued that EU regulations require halting arms exports to conflict zones where there is even a suspicion of human rights violations. “Therefore, the European Union as a whole must suspend arms sales to Israel.”
Addressing Israeli settlements, Albares stated: “If international law, and the International Court of Justice on many occasions, has declared Israeli settlements illegal, then the European Union must take clear measures, including enforcing its own labeling rules for products from settlements.”
He underlined that these demands are not new or exceptional, but reflect the obligation to “simply enforce the European Union’s own rules regarding human rights and international law.”
Spain’s position is also supported by domestic legislative initiatives. On Monday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz agreed to move forward with a draft bill that would introduce the concept of embargo into Spanish law, allowing for effective enforcement of arms trade restrictions with Israel.
According to government sources, Spain has already enacted a de facto embargo. “No weapons or ammunition have been bought or sold to Israel since October 7, 2023,” they said.
The proposed legislation would formalize and expand this policy, covering defense-related materials and technical assistance. Meanwhile, the Spanish Congress has approved a motion calling for a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel in response to its military actions in Gaza.
The Spanish government reaffirmed its commitment to peace and the protection of Palestinian civilians. “Spain has increased its financial support to UNRWA, recognized the State of Palestine, and supported legal proceedings before the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice” against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it said.
Spain has also supported multiple United Nations resolutions demanding an unconditional and lasting ceasefire.
While welcoming a recent EU-Israel agreement to facilitate humanitarian aid access to Gaza — described as “a good step” — Albares cautioned that this measure is not enough. “The humanitarian agreement will not stop the war. We are beyond words. And what I’ve come to realize over the past months is that statements and morality alone will not stop the war.”
Spain’s proposals reflect growing concerns within the EU about the conflict’s humanitarian toll and the legal responsibilities of member states under international law, reinforcing Madrid’s calls for action beyond diplomatic declarations.
Author: MK
Source: HispanTV - EFE
