Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday declared that Israel's interception of approximately 20 boats from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla was illegal, following the arrest of around 175 pro-Palestinian activists, including Spanish nationals.
Sanchez's Statement
In a post on social media platform X, Sanchez wrote: "Israel is once again violating international law by attacking a civilian flotilla in waters that do not belong to it." He called on the European Union to immediately freeze bilateral ties with Israel and urged respect for maritime law.
Spain's Diplomatic Response
Spain had earlier condemned the seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels in international waters off Greece. The Spanish foreign ministry issued a statement confirming that Madrid had summoned Israel's charge d'affaires in Spain to convey its protest over the detention of the boats. Spanish diplomatic staff in Israel are in contact with the flotilla organizers, and Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has spoken with his counterparts who also have nationals on board.
Flotilla Details
The latest flotilla, comprising pro-Palestinian activists seeking to break Israel's blockade on Gaza, set sail in recent weeks from Marseille in France, Barcelona in Spain, and Syracuse in Italy. Organizers announced early Thursday that their boats had been surrounded by Israeli military ships while off the coast of Crete.
Strained Relations
Relations between Israel and Spain have deteriorated sharply since the Gaza war began following the October 2023 Hamas cross-border attacks. Israel has been angered by Sanchez's relentless criticism of its bombardment of the Palestinian territory. The Spanish Socialist leader has also opposed the US-Israeli war with Iran, drawing a sharp Israeli reaction. Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu barred Madrid from joining the work of a US-led center to stabilize post-war Gaza, accusing Spain of waging a diplomatic campaign against Israel. Both countries have withdrawn their ambassadors.
