Washington (QNN)- The United States is considering sanctions against Spanish-flagged ships after Spain blocked vessels carrying weapons to Israel during the genocide in Gaza, reported Israeli channel 14.
Washington says Spain’s decision 'harms maritime trade'. Madrid says it will not allow its ports or airspace to support arms deliveries linked to Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
The dispute escalated after Spain denied a US vessel direct access to one of its ports. The ship was carrying weapons destined for the occupation state of Israel, according to Spanish officials.
Following the move, US authorities began reviewing retaliatory steps. These may include banning Spanish ships from entering US ports or imposing heavy financial penalties.
The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) confirmed it is studying possible measures against Spain and shipping companies linked to it. The commission said Spain refused docking access to vessels carrying 'cargo' for Israel.
The FMC said Spain blocked two US container ships and a Danish-flagged cargo ship in late 2024. It also said Spain later denied entry to three US-flagged ships at APM terminals in Algeciras in November 2024.
According to the commission, Spain has now adopted a formal policy. The policy bans ships and aircraft carrying weapons for Israel from using Spanish ports and airspace. It also blocks fuel tankers meant for Israeli military use.
The FMC said this policy creates what it described as unfavorable conditions for US maritime commerce.
US officials are now considering several responses. These include fines for each voyage, limits on cargo types, and restrictions on Spanish-flagged ships entering US ports.
Under US federal rules, fines could reach up to $2.3 million per voyage.
The commission also said it may ask Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to block ship entry or exit, collect fines, or detain vessels before departure from US ports.
The probe comes amid growing diplomatic tension between Washington and Madrid over Israel's genocide in Gaza.
Spain ranks among Israel’s strongest critics in Europe. Madrid halted arms imports and exports linked to Israel. It also called for a European arms embargo and joined international legal action against Israel. This comes following an Israeli genocide in Gaza that killed over 70,000 Palestinians, most of them are women and children, jn ine of the most horrific atrocities in recent history.
