Spain has refused to allow a ship carrying weapons to Israel to enter Spanish ports in response to the conflict in Gaza. The minority left-wing coalition government rejected a request by the Danish-flagged commercial freighter “Marianne Danica” to dock in Spanish ports to resupply.
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told reporters in Brussels, “This is the first time we are doing this because it is the first time we have found that a ship carrying arms to Israel wants to call at a Spanish port. Our policy is not to issue new export licenses for war materials to be sent to Israel. Therefore, the refusal to allow the ship to stop for replenishment is consistent and in line with this policy,” he said.
Status of Marianne Danica
It was announced that the ship “Marianne Danica” was carrying weapons and explosive materials to Israel. Taking into account the criminal complaints from the Sumar alliance and the Podemos party, the government rejected the ship’s request to dock at a Spanish port on May 21. Some civil society organizations organized demonstrations about the ship’s cargo, which arrived off the coast of Cartagena port in southern Spain.
Foreign Minister’s Statements
“Our policy is not to grant Israel new export licenses for war materiel, and it is consistent with this policy that the ship was not allowed to stop for replenishment,” Foreign Minister Albares reiterated. Spain, which has been one of the strongest opponents of Israel’s war in Gaza, maintains this stance.
Developments Regarding the Borkum Ship
Protests were organized by civil society organizations over allegations that another ship, the “Borkum”, which wanted to dock at the port of Cartagena, was carrying arms to Israel. However, Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente stated that the owner of the ship’s cargo is the Czech Republic and that they have received written assurances that the export or delivery of this cargo to a third country is not possible.
Spain is determined to continue its opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Spain, which has been actively lobbying EU countries for the recognition of a Palestinian state, has reinforced this stance with its policy of not allowing arms shipments to Israel.
Spain’s decision was widely recognized in the international arena and caused tensions in diplomatic relations between Israel and Spain. The Spanish government expressed its determination to continue its policy of support for the Palestinian people.
