Spain's Foreign Minister Urges Protection for Citizens in Gaza Flotilla Amid Israeli Interception

On Thursday, Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, summoned the chargé d'affaires of Israel in Spain, Dana Erlich, amid growing concerns about a humanitarian flotilla heading to Gaza. Albares emphasized the peaceful intentions of the Spanish citizens on board, asserted their right to make a humanitarian voyage under international law, and requested that they receive full diplomatic consular protection from the Spanish government. The flotilla, comprising around twenty boats, persisted in its mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza despite having been intercepted by the Israeli Navy. Many aboard were described as solidarity citizens, who posed no threat to Israel or any other party involved, according to Albares during an interview with Spain's public television, TVE. He highlighted the basic right of innocent passage through international waters as a legal framework for their actions. Recent developments indicate that a first group of members from the flotilla has been arrested by Israeli authorities and was reported to have reached land in the early hours of Thursday. The exact number of Spanish individuals among the 65 that the ministry has identified remains unclear, but the officials confirmed that this group is being accompanied by the Spanish consul in Tel Aviv and two members of the Civil Guard, one of whom holds the title of interior attaché. Spanish authorities were informed by their Israeli counterparts that once transferred to the processing center, the detainees would be allowed to communicate with their families. As per the data provided by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, among those detained, there are approximately 30 Spanish nationals alongside a diverse group of international participants, including 22 Italians, 21 Turks, and citizens from Malaysia, Tunisia, Brazil, France, and several other countries. The incident has sparked outrage across Europe, prompting citizens to take to the streets in protest. In Barcelona, spontaneous demonstrations erupted outside the Israeli consulate, leading to clashes with police. Similarly, a general strike was declared in Italy in reaction to Israel's aggressive actions against the flotilla, contrasting sharply with the silence observed from major European leaders regarding the issue. Dana Erlich, the new chargé d'affaires representing Israel in Spain, replaces Dan Poraz, at a time when tensions regarding Israeli policy and humanitarian issues are elevated. The absence of a formally appointed ambassador highlights the diplomatic strain between Israel and Spain, as previous representatives faced consistent scrutiny from the Spanish Foreign Ministry. The unfolding situation illustrates the complex international dynamics surrounding humanitarian aid and the geopolitical tensions that arise from such missions. As reports continue to emerge regarding the welfare of those detained, and their legal rights are debated, it remains essential for international observers to monitor the developments closely and ensure that humanitarian principles are upheld. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2