• Spain's parliament approved an arms embargo on Israel with a vote of 178 to 169.
• The embargo aims to address alleged genocidal actions in Gaza since October 2023.
• Support from the far-left Podemos party was crucial in passing the decree.

On October 8, 2023, Spain's parliament enacted a comprehensive arms embargo against Israel, reflecting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's stance against what he describes as "genocide" in Gaza. The legislation was approved by 178 votes to 169, solidifying an embargo that had been in effect since the escalation of conflict following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, according to trtglobal, lemonde, middleeasteye, and aljazeera.

The legislation bans all exports of defense technology and products to Israel, as well as the import of such goods. Additionally, it prohibits the transit of military-use aviation fuel and bans advertising for products from "illegal colonies" in Gaza and the West Bank. This legal framework consolidates existing restrictions imposed by Sanchez's government in response to ongoing military actions in Gaza, according to trtglobal, lemonde, and middleeasteye.

The far-left Podemos party's support was pivotal in securing the vote, despite initial criticism of the embargo's scope. Podemos, which holds four seats in parliament, shifted its position to back Sanchez's coalition in the final vote. The decision to delay the parliamentary session to avoid coinciding with the anniversary of the October 7 attacks highlights the political sensitivities surrounding the issue, reports trtglobal, lemonde, middleeasteye, and aljazeera.

This arms embargo reflects Spain's critical stance towards Israel's military actions and has sparked significant diplomatic tensions, especially after Spain previously recognized a Palestinian state. Israel's government has condemned the embargo, asserting that it undermines diplomatic relations, according to trtglobal, lemonde, middleeasteye, and aljazeera.