Spain has summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Madrid to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the interception of vessels belonging to the “Global Sumud Flotilla” by the Israeli Navy.
Madrid strongly condemned the seizure of the flotilla’s ships and formally delivered a note of protest to the Israeli diplomat.
According to the ministry’s statement, Spanish citizens were among those on board the intercepted vessels. Spain’s diplomatic mission in Israel is in contact with the flotilla organizers regarding the situation.
At the same time, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has held consultations with foreign ministers of other countries whose nationals were also aboard the ships.
Previously, it was reported that the Israeli Navy had seized 15 out of 58 vessels from the pro-Palestinian “Sumud” flotilla near Greece’s island of Crete.
Diplomatic relations between Israel and Spain have reportedly deteriorated amid the Gaza conflict. Criticism by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been met with strong disapproval in Tel Aviv.
Spain’s stance regarding the joint U.S.–Israeli operations against Iran has also triggered a firm reaction from Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Spain of conducting a diplomatic campaign against Israel and limited its participation in post-war stabilization efforts in Gaza. It has been reported that both countries have recalled their ambassadors.
