Barcelona Severs Institutional Ties, Suspends Tel Aviv Pact Over Gaza Conflict

Barcelona's city council, led by Socialist Mayor Jaume Collboni and supported by left-wing and pro-independence parties, has voted to sever institutional ties with the Israeli government and suspend the 1998 twin city agreement with Tel Aviv. This decision comes as a response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, condemning alleged violations of international law and human rights by Israel, and calling for a halt to relations until these issues are addressed. The council also urged local institutions like Fira de Barcelona and the Port of Barcelona to avoid hosting Israeli government pavilions and to refuse docking vessels carrying arms to Israel. The move, largely symbolic, follows similar actions by former mayor Ada Colau in 2023, which were temporarily reversed before Collboni's election. Spain's national leadership, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been vocal in criticizing Israel's military operations in Gaza and advocating for an EU arms embargo. The Barcelona resolution emphasizes an immediate and permanent ceasefire and adherence to UN resolutions, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and high casualties in Gaza.