MADRID, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish government on Tuesday approved a series of measures in response to Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza, including restrictions on arms trading, transport, and products linked to illegal settlements, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has announced.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Albares said the new measures included consolidating an existing arms embargo, banning the transit of fuel shipments destined for the Israeli armed forces through Spanish ports, and denying access to Spanish airspace for state aircraft carrying defense material bound for Israel.
The government also approved the prohibition of products originating from illegal Israeli settlements in Gaza and the West Bank, the limitation of consular services to Spanish citizens residing in such settlements, and increased support for the Palestinian Authority. This support includes additional Spanish troops to the European Union Border Assistance Mission in Rafah, alongside a boost in humanitarian aid and cooperation for Gaza.
Albares stressed that the measures reflect Spain's independent policy and the will of its citizens.
"Spain only takes decisions that have the support of the majority of Spaniards, and in that sense, we take our decisions independently, without pressure from third parties," he said.
As part of the package, Spain has also denied entry to its territory to individuals deemed to be directly involved in genocide, human rights violations, and war crimes in Gaza. This includes Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who are considered among the most hardline members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet.
Asked whether Netanyahu himself would be subject to restrictions, Albares said Spain would act in accordance with the international arrest warrant should such a case arise.
"Spain wants the existence of two states; we want a realistic and viable Palestinian state and a state of Israel, and we would like the Israeli government to attend the Two-State Conference," Albares added.
The United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 5 decided to resume a high-level international conference on the two-state solution on Sept 22, reviving a process that was put on hold this summer amid escalating violence in the Middle East. ■
