Shafaq News – Madrid (updated at 19:32)

Spain has barred Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering its territory and unveiled a package of sweeping measures aimed at halting what Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described as the genocide in Gaza.

Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed on Monday that the far-right ministers were added to Spain’s entry ban list, citing their role in the war. The decision came days after Israel prohibited Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz and Youth Minister Sira Rego from visiting the country over Madrid’s criticisms of the Gaza campaign.

Ben-Gvir responded on social media in Spanish, mocking the measure, “Don’t let me in… but give the people from Gaza free entry into Spain.”

At a press conference, Sánchez announced nine measures intended to increase pressure on Israel. They include a ban on arms exports, a prohibition on ships carrying fuel for the Israeli military from docking in Spanish ports, and a ban on aircraft transporting defense materials to Israel from crossing Spanish airspace.

He said Spain would also block entry to individuals directly involved in “genocide and war crimes,” ban imports of products from settlements in Gaza and the West Bank, and restrict consular services for Spanish citizens living in settlements deemed illegal under international law.

Sánchez pledged increased support for the Palestinian Authority, expanded humanitarian aid for Gaza, and higher contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). “Protecting the homeland is one thing,” he said, “but bombing hospitals and starving innocent children to death is something entirely different. What Israel is doing is the extermination of a defenseless people. It violates all humanitarian laws. We cannot stand idly by.”

Earlier in 2024, Spain joined Norway and Ireland in formally recognizing the state of Palestine.