Spanish demonstrators demand arms embargo on Israel
Outside the gates of the Spanish parliament, demonstrators gathered to demand urgent action from lawmakers.
Human rights groups, pro-Palestinian activists and civil society organizations urged MPs to support a draft law that, if implemented, would ban arms sales to any entity involved in genocide, placing Israel at the center of the debate.
This bill represents an opportunity to combine, in a single legal instrument, a mandatory arms embargo and the inspection of ships and aircraft in order to comply with the rulings of the International Court of Justice and to help stop the genocide of the Palestinian people.
Enrique Santiago, Member of Parliament
The coalition government has expressed its opposition to the impunity regarding the Gaza genocide and the need to end defense ties with Israel. It is presenting a bill that, if implemented, could impose a total and automatic embargo. This includes canceling all contracts and blocking Spain's role as a transit point for arms to Israel.
Toni Valero, Member of Parliament
The proposed legislation will reform arms exports law 53 of 2007 which currently allows arms embargoes to remain at the discretion of the executive.
Introduced by the Sumar party, the bill aims to transform that political choice into a binding legal obligation; one that campaigners say is long overdue.
The bill's approval places Spain at the forefront of efforts against genocide, and could set a precedent to further isolate the Israeli regime. This step owes much to over 500 human rights groups, public pressure, and, the unwavering courage of the Palestinian people.
Gerardo Pisarello, Member of Parliament
Despite documented war crimes and apartheid, Spain continued approving millions of euros in arms exports to Israel in 2023, even during escalated attacks on Gaza.
This contradiction fueled fears that the embargo's parliamentary approval will remain a mere symbolic gesture without any real enforcement if the government fails to show genuine political will.
Protesters converged on the Spanish parliament to demand a change in an existing law. This came as MPs were voting on whether to begin debating a bill that would ban arms sales to those who are committing genocide, starting with Israel.
The initiative seeks to turn political discretion into legal obligation.
Will Parliament rig reform, or will Spain choose the right side of history? Time will tell.
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