Spain Sanctions Israeli Far-Right Ministers, Bars Them from Entering Territory
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced on Tuesday that Israel's far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir will not be able to enter Spanish territory due to their alleged roles in inciting violence against Palestinians. This move comes as part of a broader condemnation of Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declaring nine measures aimed at preventing further human rights violations. The measures include an entry ban on those directly participating in the genocide, a ban on planes and ships carrying weapons or transporting fuel for Israel, and an additional €10 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Key Takeaways:
- Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced that Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir will not be able to enter Spanish territory due to their alleged roles in inciting violence against Palestinians.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared nine measures aimed at preventing Israel's genocide in Gaza, including an entry ban on those directly participating in the genocide and a ban on planes and ships carrying weapons or transporting fuel for Israel.
- Spain will provide an additional €10 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
- Spain has emerged as one of Europe's strongest critics of the Gaza genocide, deepening its policy shift in recent years, particularly since Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza began on October 7, 2023.
- Spain has also pressed the European Union to reconsider the EU–Israel Association Agreement, arguing that Israel's actions in Gaza breach the accord's human rights clause.
- Since November 2023, Spain has suspended arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns that such sales could contribute to violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza.
Statistics:
- Over 64,500 Palestinian lives have been claimed by the Gaza genocide.
- Spain has committed to providing €150 million in additional humanitarian aid for Gaza in 2026.
- The measures announced by Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez include:
+ An entry ban on those directly participating in the genocide.
+ A ban on planes and ships carrying weapons or transporting fuel for Israel.
+ An additional €10 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Sources:
- Press TV
- European Union (EU)
- United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)