Spain urges EU to ban arms sales to Israel over "human rights violations" in Gaza

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has called on the European Union to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel and impose an arms embargo, citing “human rights violations” in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Albares urged the European Council to approve the immediate suspension of the bloc’s key pact with Israel, which governs trade and political relations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Spanish media.

The Spanish minister also advocated for a ban on arms sales to Israel and the imposition of sanctions on individuals who oppose the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Albares’s proposal comes amid rising civilian casualties in Gaza and growing international calls for accountability.  

In addition to the Gaza conflict, the Spanish foreign minister also addressed regional tensions involving Iran, stressing the need for de-escalation.

“Spain's concern is paramount regarding the situation in the Middle East and in relation to Iran. We are currently calling on all parties to exercise restraint and de-escalation,” he said. “This is the time for diplomacy, it is time to return to the negotiating table. There is no military solution.”

By Khagan Isayev