Spain blocks US cargo ships allegedly carrying arms to Israel
An undated photo of gantry cranes and a Maersk container ship in the port of Ashdod, Israel. (Photo: Planet One Images/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Spain has denied docking permission to two U.S. cargo vessels, Maersk Denver and Maersk Seletar, allegedly carrying weapons to Israel.
The ships, initially set to dock at the Port of Algeciras, will instead make a stop at Gibraltar, just six kilometers across the Bay of Algeciras, according to the Port Authority of Algeciras.
Alleged arms shipment to Israel sparks controversy
The vessels departed from New York on Oct. 31 and Nov. 4, respectively. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the ships were denied entry, stating, “No ship carrying military material will call at Spain.”
Spanish lawmaker Enrique Santiago warned that allowing these vessels to dock could violate the country’s penal code, which prohibits the transit of military material that could exacerbate conflicts.
“We are reviewing the information with the relevant departments that control the entry of goods into the country to clarify what happened,” a spokesman for the Spanish Foreign Ministry told the media in response to the investigation.
“If the information is confirmed, all necessary measures will be taken. The ministry continues to call for stricter oversight to ensure full compliance with its decisions on this matter.”
Spain’s continued arms export restrictions to Israel
Since the conflict in Gaza escalated on October 7, 2023, Spain has maintained a ban on arms exports to Israel. In May, Madrid refused entry to another Israel-bound ship carrying military material. Despite this, an investigation by Progressive International and the Palestinian Youth Movement revealed that 25 U.S. arms shipments intended for Israel had previously stopped at Spanish ports.
Hamas applauds Spain’s decision, calls for UN action
Hamas praised Spain’s decision, describing it as consistent with the country’s opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza.
The group urged the United Nations to pass a resolution banning arms exports to Israel, citing the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties.
Legal concerns over arms shipments
European Parliament member Irene Montero criticized Spain’s actions, stating that the transit of military materials violates Article 8.1 of Law 53/2007 on the Foreign Trade of Arms.
But who does the Foreign Minister work for, for the Spanish people or to whitewash the genocidal State of Israel? Protect Zionism while a stable route of weapons with which Israel kills passes through our ports. It is worth resigning
Irene Montero
The law mandates suspending authorizations if there are indications that the material could contribute to human rights violations.
If you stop two ships but turn a blind eye to dozens, knowing that they carry the weapons with which Israel kills, that has a name: complicity with the genocidaires.
Irene Montero
The Spanish government is currently reviewing these allegations and has pledged to tighten controls.
