The Spanish Congress has approved the processing of a law that seeks to impose an arms embargo on Israel, amidst growing tensions over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating over 50,000 deaths and widespread humanitarian crises, including severe restrictions on food and aid access.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been urged to increase political, diplomatic, and international pressure on the Israeli administration led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The coalition government’s junior partner, Sumar, along with other leftist groups such as Podemos, ERC, and Bildu, have voiced that the government's current actions are insufficient and are pushing for stronger measures against what they describe as genocide.

In contrast, opposition parties including the People's Party (PP) and far-right Vox have criticized Sánchez's approach, alleging that it serves as a distraction from domestic corruption controversies.

As the political discourse intensifies in Spain, the European Union has expressed willingness to reevaluate its association agreement with Israel, with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stating, 'The time for words has ended; it is now time for action.' Furthermore, the United Kingdom has announced the suspension of trade negotiations with Israel, a stance that has been echoed by France and Canada in discussions of potential reprisals against Israel.

The proposed law, initiated by Sumar, ERC, Podemos, and the BNG, aims to prohibit any contracts involving the sale of military and defense materials with Israel, extending beyond arms to include all forms of military commerce.

PSOE spokesperson Patxi López confirmed the party's support for the consideration of this proposal.

Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría emphasized that the initiative seeks to enforce an embargo on states accused of genocide or crimes against humanity by international tribunals, specifically referencing Israel in accordance with findings from the International Criminal Court.

There are indications from the Spanish government that any comprehensive embargo would need to comply with existing European and international regulations, suggesting that unilateral actions would be problematic.

Following the vote in Congress, which ended with 176 in favor and 171 against, Sumar celebrated the PSOE’s change in stance, noting that a year ago they would not have supported barring Israel from participating in cultural events like Eurovision, previously advocated by Sánchez.

The government also compelled Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to rescind a contract for the purchase of munitions from an Israeli company, which resulted in an acknowledgment of error from Sánchez.

Marlaska is scheduled to appear before Congress to report on this issue.

Opposition to the law was strong among the PP and Vox, with PP spokesperson Pablo Hispán alleging that the proposal reflects deep-seated antisemitism.

Conversely, the Junts party supported the motion, citing respect for human rights, though they indicated plans to propose amendments.

In a related political exchange, spokesperson Pilar Alegría criticized PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo for trivializing the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation—especially as the United Nations has reported alarming conditions that put over 14,000 children at risk of starvation due to lack of humanitarian aid.