The Borkum, a German cargo ship sailing under Antigua and Barbuda’s flag, decided against docking at Spain’s southern Mediterranean port, Cartagena. This decision was due to political controversy surrounding accusations made by left-wing Spanish politicians stating it was transporting weapons to Israel. The leftist Podemos and Sumar parties suggested the cargo, earmarked for use against Hamas, should undergo an inspection upon landing.
Ione Belarra, the leader of Podemos, suspected the Borkum of supplying Israel with weapons for a potential genocide. Sumar, the minor ally in the Socialist-led administration, urged public prosecutors to explore the end destination of the cargo. Rescop, a pro-Palestinian group, flagged Borkum’s impending arrival in Spain, disclosing documents that alleged the cargo contained 12.5 tons of missiles alongside explosives and other materials destined for Ashdod, an Israeli port.
However, Socialist Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, refuted these allegations, stating that a portion of the cargo was to be delivered to a company on Spain’s southern coast, while the remainder, identified as military materials, was bound for Slovenia before ending up in the Czech Republic’s possession.
Responding before Borkum’s stop in Cartagena was cancelled, Puente questioned the stirred-up controversy, accusing those individuals directing the ship to Israel of possibly misidentifying the vessel and thereby acting “deeply irresponsible.” He further dismissed the claims of Podemos and Sumar suggesting that even if the cargo was delivered to the Czech Republic, it would eventually be redirected to Israel.
Affirming Spain’s unequivocal support for the Palestinian cause, Puente indicated that any ship transporting weapons intended for Israel would indubitably be intercepted by the Spanish government, provided they had legitimate evidence beyond mere suspicion. Subsequently, the Spanish government did restrict another ship, the Marianne Danica, which flew a Danish flag and transported armament from India for Israel, from docking.
In a statement regarding the increasingly volatile situation in the Middle East, Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares reiterated the need for peace, not additional weaponry. For the first time, Spain has denied a ship entry for such a motive.
Furthermore, the Spanish and Irish administrations are reportedly engaging in dialogues to acknowledge Palestine as a state. An announcement confirming such a momentous decision might be just around the corner, potentially being revealed as early as next week, perhaps jointly with other nations.
The October 7th assault on Israel by Hamas has been denounced by the Spanish authorities. However, the Spanish government has openly criticised Israel’s countermeasures, imposing a strain on their diplomatic relationship.
Earlier in the month, Spain’s minister of social and consumer affairs, Pablo Bustinduy, urged Spanish companies operating within Israel not to fuel the atrocities Palestinians are undergoing, described as ‘genocide.’ The Israeli embassy responded claiming that such a manoeuvre ‘boosts Hamas.’