【By Observer Net, Chen Sijia】With the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Israel is facing increasing criticism and boycotts from the international community. According to a report by Spain's El PaÃs on September 29, Spain has closed a weapons transport route, prohibiting U.S. military aircraft and ships from transporting weapons to Israel through the Rota and Moron military bases within Spain.
The Spain-U.S. Joint Commission, which manages the U.S. military bases in Spain, said that both direct transportation of weapons from the Rota and Moron military bases to Israel, as well as aircraft and naval vessels that stop at these two bases en route to Israel, fall under the scope of Spain's ban.
This source emphasized, "Rota and Moron are not back doors," and Spain will not allow the U.S. to use its military bases in Spain without limits.
Moron Military Base, Seville Province, Spain - EFE
El PaÃs pointed out that Spain does not conduct routine inspections of the cargo transported by U.S. military aircraft and ships, so the U.S. government could theoretically still hide the weapons it transports, but this practice would damage the mutual trust between Spain and the United States. However, the six F-35 fighter jets delivered by the U.S. to Israel in March and April this year all bypassed the Rota and Moron military bases.
The Rota and Moron military bases are located in the Cadiz and Seville provinces in southern Spain, and are often used by the U.S. as a hub for transporting troops, weapons, fuel and supplies eastward. The Israeli Jerusalem Post reported that during the June conflict between Israel and Iran, 15 U.S. KC-135 refueling planes used these bases to refuel U.S. bombers attacking Iranian nuclear facilities.
According to the military cooperation agreement signed between the U.S. and Spain in 1988, if the U.S. wants to transfer weapons, ammunition or "controversial passengers or cargo" from the bases to a third country, it must obtain authorization from the Spanish government to use these two military bases. Although Spain cannot inspect the cargo transported by the U.S., new regulations were established in 2011 requiring the U.S. to report the origin, destination and content of the transport.
Regarding Spain's restrictive measures, the U.S. State Department spokesperson responded: "We are deeply concerned that the NATO member state Spain has chosen to impose potential restrictions on U.S. actions. These measures will embolden terrorists."
El PaÃs stated that to avoid conflicts with the U.S., the Spanish government has maintained a cautious attitude. A Spanish government spokesperson said that Spain has fulfilled the bilateral agreement and will not modify it.
Previously, Israel had accused Spain of "anti-Semitism", banning Spanish Labor Minister Diaz and Youth Affairs Minister Rego from entering Israel. On September 8 local time, Spain announced that in response to Israel's genocide in Gaza, it would impose an arms embargo on Israel and prohibit the import of certain Israeli goods. The Spanish Foreign Ministry strongly opposed the false accusations of "anti-Semitism" made by Israel and recalled the ambassador of the country to Israel.
On September 24 local time, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez announced that after the "Global Solidarity" Gaza relief flotilla was attacked by drones near Greek waters, Spain would dispatch military warships together with Italy to protect the flotilla.
The "Global Solidarity" Gaza relief flotilla consists of multi-national civil organizations, humanitarian relief groups and international volunteers, and is using about 50 civilian vessels to try to break Israel's long-term blockade of Gaza and directly deliver food, medicine, medical equipment and other emergency supplies to the local population.
European News Television reported on the 29th that a Spanish warship and an Italian warship are following the Gaza relief flotilla, but neither of the two warships have been allowed to enter Gaza waters to block the actions of the Israeli navy. El PaÃs stated that both the Spanish and Italian governments said that the escort warships will not take any action when the flotilla is intercepted or attacked, and only be responsible for rescue missions.
This article is exclusive to Observer Net. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7555803343629599273/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author, and you are welcome to express your opinion by clicking on the [Up/Down] buttons below.