Something is moving internationally. After Israel caused 53,000 deaths since October 7, 2023, the United Kingdom has suspended its negotiations with Israel, which was negotiating a new economic agreement between the two states. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Israel’s “atrocity” against Gaza “horrific” and called for a “massive” increase in humanitarian aid. The ceasefire is the “only way” to free the hostages, said Starmer, who has demanded its entry into force along with denouncing the settlements in the West Bank.

The EU has also taken the same path as the United Kingdom, which has approved a “review” of the association agreement between the EU and Israel, as reported by its High Representative for Foreign Policy, Kaja Kallas. In particular, the second article of the Convention, which includes a commitment to respect for human rights, will be reviewed. The revision of the Convention is therefore a way of “exerting pressure”, since it will not lead to a break in diplomatic relations.

The proposal came from the Netherlands, which has been supported by 17 of the 27 states, nine of which have voted against it, including Italy and Germany. It is not the first time that such a proposal has come to the European Commission: last year Spain and Ireland made the same effort, but did not receive a response from the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen. An attempt was also made against the background of Josep Borrell Kaja Kallas, who proposed the suspension of political dialogue with the government of Netanyahu; he did not advance because of the negative vote of certain countries, including Germany.

Such demands have already gone beyond Europe: 22 countries around the world on Tuesday morning called on Israel to fully restore access to humanitarian aid in Gaza.

In Spain, no to Israel’s weapons

Another decision has been made in the Spanish Courts, which also looks inside the house. With the votes of the government and some opposition parties, it has agreed to process the proposed law on non-arms trade with Israel, but not without conflict. The proposal has come to Parliament under the demands of Sumar and Podemos, and has been supported from the outset by several opposition parties, including EH Bil and EAJ, ERC and BNG.

But it has caused controversy among the parties of the government. Taking the proposal from Sumar, who is part of the governing coalition, there have been doubts within the PSOE about whether to accept it or not. At the time he received a favorable report from the government, but in the end he has received the support of the socialist deputies, as well as the Junts party.Thanks to the vote of the latter, the proposal has been put into practice. The PP and Vox have voted against it.

On the issue of arms, the EUR 6 million contract concluded by the Spanish Government with an Israeli arms company was highly controversial. In April of this year, in the middle of the Easter holidays, it became public that the Spanish Government purchased 15.3 million bullets from the Israeli company Guardian Defense & Homeland Security as ammunition for the Civil Guard. The news caused a stir, as the Spanish government was already committed to the legislative proposal it has just adopted: I mean, not to trade weapons with Israel. This triggered an internal crisis in the government until the contract was terminated.

On Wednesday morning I gave explanations to the Minister of the Interior of the Spanish Government, Fernando Grande Marlaska, who admitted that this contract was a "mistake" and took responsibility for it. Marlaska reiterates its "strong commitment" to the Palestinian cause and peace in the Middle East.