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International Community Urged to Halt Arms Deliveries to Israel

Friday 11 October 2024 - 15:00

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called on the international community to cease arms deliveries to Israel, emphasizing the urgent need to avoid further escalation of violence in the Middle East. Following a meeting with Pope Francis in Rome, Sánchez asserted, "It is urgent, in light of everything happening in the Middle East, that the international community stop exporting arms to the Israeli government." He reiterated his appeal, stating, "We must not contribute in any way to the escalation of violence, to the war, or its expansion into Gaza, the West Bank, or, as is currently the case, Lebanon."

This statement aligns with recent remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who also advocated for an end to arms shipments to Israel amid its ongoing conflict in Gaza. Macron's comments were met with sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who labeled them a "shame."

Sánchez has emerged as one of the most vocal Western critics of Israel since the escalation of the conflict in Gaza, which began following an unprecedented attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023. His positions have drawn significant backlash from the Israeli government. In May, Israel recalled its ambassador for consultations after Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, officially recognized the state of Palestine.

The issue of arms supplies to Israel has been a contentious topic among Western nations for months. In September, the United Kingdom announced the suspension of approximately thirty export licenses for arms to Israel, citing concerns that these weapons could be used in violation of international humanitarian law. In contrast, Germany recently announced new arms deliveries to Israel without detailing their type or intended use. U.S. President Joe Biden has thus far refrained from leveraging arms sales to Israel, aside from suspending a bomb delivery in May.

Currently, Israel is engaged in conflicts on multiple fronts, fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, where it has been conducting ground operations since Monday. Additionally, Israel has issued threats in response to a massive missile attack from Iran that occurred last Tuesday.