In response to the latest round of conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Spanish government announced a series of new measures to expand its previous embargo on Israel. The Israeli foreign minister responded angrily, and Spain went a step further by announcing the recall of its ambassador to Tel Aviv.

Span Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the nine measures, which include: a ban on all ships carrying fuel for the Israeli armed forces from passing through Spanish ports; a ban all military aircraft carrying defense supplies for Israel from entering Spanish airspace; and other measures to restrict the movement of Israeli personnel and entry into Spain. The measures reportedly need to be approved the Spanish parliament.

Spain claims to have imposed a de facto arms embargo on Israel since it announced in October 2023, to be implemented May 2024. The PM said they will establish the ban formally by approving a royal decree.

Previously, activists had been pressuring Spain and in 2024, a series of actions were launched against cargo ships docking at Spanish ports. Under contract with the U.S. government, Maersk, Ltd. rerouted some of its vessels to Morocco and denied the activists' claims that it was transporting illegal supplies to Israel.

Last month, Turkey also similar action, expanding its trade embargo against Israel. Turkey closed its ports to all ships related to Israel and banned Turkish ships from sailing to Israel【Breaking! ZIM confirms Turkey "bans" Israeli-related shipping, ships urgently rerouted!】.