Spain blocks weapon shipment from Chennai to Israel, citing peace needs
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Spain has denied docking permission to a Danish-flagged ship carrying arms to Israel, as announced by Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. The ship, which began its journey in Chennai and was en route to Haifa port in Israel, was carrying 27 tonnes of explosive material, according to Spanish news outlets.
The vessel, identified as Marianne Danica, had sought permission to dock at Cartagena port on May 21.
Foreign Minister Albares emphasized Spain's stance, stating, “The foreign ministry will systematically reject such stopovers for one obvious reason: the Middle East does not need more weapons, it needs more peace.” He confirmed that this decision marks the first instance of Spain intercepting an arms shipment to Israel and pledged to continue this policy for future cases.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente supported the decision, highlighting the nation's commitment to peace in the volatile Middle East region. Albares further clarified, “This is the first time we have done this because it is the first time we have detected a ship carrying a shipment of arms to Israel that wants to call at a Spanish port.”
This move comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where over 30,000 people have reportedly died since Israel's offensive against Palestine on October 7, 2023.
The United Nations reports that at least 630,000 Palestinians have been displaced since Israel's incursion into Rafah on May 7.