Protest against the occupation of Palestine
Madrid, Feb 25 (EFE).-
Thousands took to the streets of the Spanish capital on Sunday to protest against the occupation of Palestine and demand an end to arms sales to Israel.
The march began in downtown Madrid with slogans like “Israel kills, Europe sponsors” and “No more weapons to Israel” renting the air.
Organized by the Solidarity Network Against the Occupation of Palestine (RESCOP), protesters waved a large Palestinian flag and displayed banners with messages such as “Stop the genocide in Palestine.”
“We continue to urge the government to halt arms sales to Israel, despite their claims of cessation. Reports from the Delà s Study Center indicate ongoing sales,” Palestinian activist and RESCOP member Hania Faydi told the media.
“We also call for the severing of ties with the State of Israel and advocate for an arms embargo.”
Hector Grad, another RESCOP member, criticized the Spanish government for its inaction.
“The government talks a lot but does little.”
He called for an “effective” arms embargo, as existing sales persist despite government claims.
Grad highlighted how military technology and services provided to Israel facilitated the development of new weapons, which are now being used against Palestinian civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
“The ongoing conflict has resulted in the daily genocide of the Palestinian population, fueled by weapons developed for targeting civilians,” he said.
Podemos Secretary-General Ione Belarra participated in the demonstration and announced the left-wing party’s intention to introduce a proposal in the Spanish parliament for an arms embargo and the suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel.
Belarra expressed confidence that all political groups would heed “the voice of the streets” and position Spain on the right side of history.
The Spanish government maintains that “since October 7, 2023 (the date of the Hamas attacks), no export licenses for arms sales to Israel have been granted.”
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said on Friday that there had been “no new sales,” and the stance would persist as long as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues.
According to the Ministry of Health of the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Islamist group Hamas, the war since October 7 has resulted in the deaths of nearly 30,000 people, with approximately 7,000 bodies still buried under the rubble of the buildings razed by Israeli bombings. EFE
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