Activists Demand Arms Embargo Following Deadly Conflict

In a bold move,Greenpeace activists staged a protest in Madrid,decrying Spain’s continued arms trade with Israel amidst teh ongoing crisis in Gaza. the environmental association is calling for an immediate embargo on all arms sales to Israel, citing the devastating impact of the conflict on the Palestinian population.

The protest comes ahead of a major exhibition planned for Saturday in Madrid,where thousands are expected to rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The activists are urging citizens to participate and demand action from the Spanish government.

“Blood” in the Fountain: A Visual Protest

Early this morning,Greenpeace activists poured biodegradable,food-grade red dye into the Neptune Fountain near the congress of Deputies. The dye,intended to resemble blood,served as a stark visual portrayal of the human cost of the conflict. Containers used to transport the dye were marked with the message Embargo de Armas to Israel already.

Greenpeace Spokesperson Condemns Spanish Complicity

Valentina Carvajal, a spokesperson for Greenpeace, stated:

While Israel commits an unprecedented genocide, which is leaving us some of the most heartbreaking, cruel and inhuman images that we have ever seen, our country continues to feed its war machinery, staining its hands with blood. the message is clear: embargo from arms to Israel already. This means putting an end to any arms trade with this country and prohibiting any activity that supports war crimes against the Palestinian people.
Valentina Carvajal, Greenpeace Spokesperson

Carvajal emphasized the need for Spain to cease all forms of military support for israel, arguing that such support makes the country complicit in alleged war crimes.

The escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The situation in Gaza remains dire. Since October 7, 2023, reports indicate that over 60,000 people have been killed by Israeli forces. Following the breakdown of a ceasefire in March 2025, military operations have intensified, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Critics point to the support from the United States and the perceived inaction of the European Union as contributing factors.

Greenpeace has condemned the alleged blockade of essential supplies to Gaza, calling it a war crime that is leading to widespread hunger, malnutrition, and death. The organization argues that such actions violate international law and demand immediate intervention.

Spain’s Military Trade with Israel: A Closer look

despite public claims of suspension, a recent report by the Center Delàs reveals that military trade between Spain and Israel has intensified as October 2023. The report, titled “collateral Benefit,” highlights a meaningful increase in arms-related transactions between the two countries.

According to the investigation, Spain has awarded at least 46 contracts to the Israeli military industry, totaling over €1.044 billion. Notably, after October 7, 2023, Spain purchased weapons, ammunition, and armored vehicles worth €36.7 million. Companies known for marketing weaponry proven in combat against Palestinians, such as Elbit, Rafael, and Guardian Homeland Security, continue to receive Spanish public funds. Moreover, ten contracts, amounting to an additional €817 million, are reportedly pending formalization.

Data indicates that between January 2024 and February 2025, over 60,000 pieces of weaponry, including rifles, machine guns, and artillery components, were exported by air from Zaragoza to Tel aviv. Additionally,numerous ships carrying military equipment have made stops in Spanish ports,suggesting a direct involvement of the Spanish State in supporting Israel’s military operations.

Calls for a Total Arms Embargo

Greenpeace, along with over 500 other organizations, supports a proposed law to impose a total arms embargo on Israel. Carvajal concluded:

Only political will to approve it and end, once and for all, to the complicity armed with apartheid and occupation. Spain can – and should stop being complicit with the genocide in Gaza. That requires that decree a total embargo of weapons to Israel, which implies prohibiting any export, import, transfer, production or trade of weapons with a State that seriously violates human rights.
Valentina Carvajal, Greenpeace Spokesperson

The call for an arms embargo underscores the growing pressure on the spanish government to reassess its relationship with Israel considering the ongoing conflict and alleged human rights violations.