The ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified calls for a military boycott of Israel, reflecting a growing sentiment among Spanish activists and trade unions.
The Spanish government's current approach appears reactive rather than proactive, responding to public protests rather than implementing a comprehensive policy against arms trade with Israel.
The logistical challenges posed by alternative shipping routes, such as the attacks affecting the Red Sea, have increased the reliance on Spanish ports for arms transport to Israel.
If the Spanish government does not implement stricter regulations, it may face increased public backlash and protests from activist groups.
There could be a potential shift in shipping routes as companies seek to avoid scrutiny, possibly leading to increased traffic through other European ports.
The situation may prompt further international scrutiny of Spain's role in the arms trade, particularly in light of ongoing investigations into alleged war crimes in the region.
The Spanish ports of Algeciras and Cartagena are facing scrutiny as three commercial ships linked to the arms trade with Israel are set to arrive on November 28, 29, and December 1. Activists are calling for a comprehensive ban on arms trade with Israel, criticizing the government for not taking stronger measures to prevent these ships from docking.
Despite assurances from Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares that no new arms export licenses have been issued to Israel since October 2023, activists argue that the government’s stance is ineffective. They claim that ships continue to arrive and reach their destinations in Israel, undermining the government’s statements.
Activists are demanding amendments to Law 53/2007 to legally ban arms sales to Israel and implement a systematic inspection protocol for ships heading to Israel. They argue that without such measures, Spanish ports could inadvertently support military actions against Palestinians.
Shipping data reveals that Maersk, a Danish shipping company, has been involved in transporting military equipment to Israel, raising concerns about the role of Spanish ports in facilitating this trade. Activists highlight that information about ship movements is publicly available, yet the contents often require costly subscriptions to access.
