NATO Nation Blocks American Cargo Ships From Docking, U.S-Spanish Relations Strained

U.S and Spain’s diplomatic relations have become strained since the latter denied two US-flagged cargo vessels permission to dock at its ports since the vessels are carrying weapons for Israel.

Hamas has hailed the decision of the Spanish Government and in a statement the Group said that this is in tandem with Spain’s position in rejecting the aggression of the Zionists in the Gaza Strip and to prevent supplying Israel with ammunition which is used for genocide against innocent Palestinian people.

The Group has urged the United Nations to issue a resolution for criminalising and prohibiting the transportation of arms to Israel and to put pressure on it to end the war on Palestine which has led to the deaths of more than 43,000 people.

Spanish Lawmaker Enrique Santiago has said that legal action is necessary. He also added that the arrival of these American cargo ships would violate the Spanish penal code.

The Ships belong to the Danish Shipping Company Maersk.

This development comes after Spain cancelled an agreement to purchase ammunition from an Israeli company for its police forces.

It is clear that Spain’s relationship with its NATO partner, the U.S., and its allies has become complicated.

According to reports, the ships that left New York asked permission to berth in Algeciras Port, Spain. A foreign spokesman said that the vessels would not halt in Spain without offering more explanations.

In May, Spain had also denied entry to an Israel-bound vessel loaded with arms which was to call at the Port of Cartagena.

Spain has been critical of Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza and this year along with Ireland and Norway, it has recognised the State of Palestine.

References: AA, Times of India, MSN