Hamas praises Spain’s move to ban arms exports to 'Israel'

Hamas has praised Spain’s decision to halt arms exports to 'Israel' and close Spanish ports to vessels carrying military equipment, calling the move a “significant political and moral step” toward ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In a press statement, Hamas expressed appreciation for the measures, describing them as part of “international efforts to stop the war of extermination, starvation, and displacement being committed against the Palestinian people in Gaza.” The group also called on other arms-exporting nations to follow Spain’s example while increasing political, economic, and legal pressure on 'Israel' to halt attacks on civilians in the Gaza Strip.

The statement came shortly after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced nine measures aimed at “halting the genocide in Gaza,” including a proposed arms embargo on Israel and a ban on vessels supplying fuel to the Israeli military from docking at Spanish ports. Sánchez emphasized that the measures seek to “stop the genocide, pursue its perpetrators, and support the Palestinian population,” according to Agence France-Presse.

Spain’s government, led by Sánchez’s left-wing administration, will also consolidate an existing prohibition on military sales to Israel into law, reduce the air transport of military equipment to the country, and restrict entry into Spain for individuals involved in human rights violations or war crimes in Gaza.

In addition to security measures, Spain announced humanitarian initiatives, including support for Palestinian agriculture, food security, medical aid, and funding to assist the Palestinian Authority. The government also plans to ban imports from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories and limit consular services to Spanish citizens residing in those settlements.

Sánchez has been one of Europe’s most vocal critics of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, labeling it as genocide and advocating for the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Hamas’ statement framed Spain’s actions as a “moral and political step” while urging the international community to intensify pressure on 'Israel'.