Barcelona has officially ended its formal relationship with the Israeli government. The city council voted on Friday to suspend a 1998 friendship agreement with Tel Aviv. This move comes during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The decision was supported by the Socialist Party, which leads the local government. Other left-wing and pro-independence groups also voted in favor. The council said it will not resume relations until Israel respects international law and the rights of Palestinians.
The motion also asked Fira de Barcelona, the city’s trade fair organizer, to stop hosting Israeli government booths. It also said companies involved in the arms industry or profiting from the war should not be allowed to participate.
Barcelona’s mayor said that the deaths in Gaza and Israel’s recent military actions make any relationship with the Israeli government impossible. This is not the first time the city has taken such a step. In 2023, then-mayor Ada Colau also suspended ties with Israel. However, current mayor Jaume Collboni reversed that move after he won the election. Now, under pressure from local groups, the city is again cutting formal ties.
Although this action is symbolic, it sends a strong message. Barcelona is Spain’s second-largest city, and its decision adds to growing global criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Many countries and organizations have expressed concern about the high number of civilian deaths and the destruction in the region.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also criticized Israel’s military actions. He has said that Israel may be breaking international law and using too much force. Earlier this week, Sánchez said that the situation in Gaza is unbearable and called for stronger action to stop the war.
In recent weeks, Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced they would officially recognize Palestine as an independent state. These countries say they want to support peace and fairness in the Middle East.
The Gaza war began in October 2023 after Hamas launched a surprise attack that killed around 1,200 people in Israel. In response, Israel launched airstrikes and a ground invasion. Since then, more than 35,000 people have died in Gaza, according to local health officials. Many of the victims are women and children.
Human rights groups and the United Nations have called for a ceasefire. They also want more aid to enter Gaza. While Israel says it is targeting Hamas fighters, critics argue that the military campaign is causing too much harm to civilians.
Barcelona’s decision could affect trade and cultural events. The city is home to major international fairs and conferences. Without official cooperation, it may be harder for Israeli firms to take part in future events.
The city council also said it would review future deals with companies linked to the conflict. This could include those that make or sell weapons used in war zones.
Other European cities have taken similar actions. There are rising calls in cities like Dublin and Oslo to cut ties with the Israeli government. These moves show growing public anger over the crisis in Gaza.
Even though local governments do not control foreign policy, their actions can influence national leaders and shape public opinion. Barcelona’s move is part of a wider push to pressure governments to do more for peace.
