Spanish government terminates ammunition supply contract with Israel, cites Gaza bloodshed

Spain’s Interior Ministry has announced the cancellation of a contract to purchase ammunition from Israeli firm Guardian LTD, marking a significant expansion of Spain’s pledge to refrain from selling weapons to Israel.

The decision includes halting purchases as well. The initial agreement, valued at six million euros ($6.48 million), involved acquiring over 15 million 9-mm rounds for the Guardia Civil police force.

Spain’s commitment to ceasing arms sales to Israel began in October 2023, following the outbreak of Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. The Spanish government reaffirmed this stance, stating, “The Spanish government maintains the commitment not to sell weapons to the Israeli state since the armed conflict broke out in the territory of Gaza.”

The cancellation process has been initiated, and Israeli companies will be excluded from participating in any outstanding tenders. This move is part of Spain’s broader criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and southern Lebanon. Recently, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged EU members to suspend the bloc’s free trade agreement with Israel.

The conflict began with Hamas’s October 7 attack in southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages taken. Israel’s response expanded to Lebanon, targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has supported Hamas. The Gaza health ministry reports a death toll exceeding 43,000 from Israel’s air and ground assaults. Women and children are largely affected in the attacks.