Barcelona’s city council has voted to cut official ties with the Israeli government and suspend its long-standing friendship agreement with Tel Aviv, originally signed in 1998, as a protest against Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza. The decision, which received backing from the Socialist party, as well as far-left and pro-independence groups, outlines a clear demand: that all institutional relations with Israel be halted until the country abides by international law and respects the rights of Palestinians.
As part of the motion, Barcelona’s influential trade fair authority has also been urged to deny participation to the Israeli government and to companies associated with the arms industry. Mayor Jaume Collboni emphasized that the extent of suffering in Gaza has made it impossible for the city to continue maintaining official relations with Israel, describing the situation as incompatible with the city’s values.
Although this action is largely symbolic and does not carry immediate practical consequences, it strongly aligns with Spain’s growing criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has gone so far as to accuse Israel of breaching international law and has vowed to continue pressing for justice, referring to the military campaign in Gaza as a “massacre.” The Barcelona council’s move reflects a broader sentiment within Spanish politics and society, calling for greater accountability and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
