 "Mass protests erupt across Spain against Israel, demand arrest of Netanyahu")
Tens of thousands of people, on Wednesday, took to the streets of Spanish cities to protest against Israel, demanding an end to diplomatic ties and the enforcement of an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The demonstrations occurred despite last week’s Gaza ceasefire, peace deal, and release of Palestinian prisoners.
In Barcelona, around 15,000 protesters threw firebombs and stones at outlets accused of collaborating with Israel, including Burger King, Starbucks, and McDonald’s. Local firefighters responded to multiple fires, while demonstrators ended the protest with a bonfire outside the Israeli consulate. Police reported that a “large group” attempted to dismantle barriers at the consulate and threw stones at officers. Several protesters also tried to block Israeli basketball players from leaving an arena. Authorities arrested 15 people for public disorder, 11 of whom were minors.
Demonstrations across Spain
Madrid witnessed roughly 11,000 protesters marching under the slogan ‘Stop for Palestine’. The protest was largely peaceful, featuring chants calling for the closure of the Israeli embassy and the “decolonization of Palestine.”
Far-left party Podemos leaders, including Ione Belarra, participated in the rally. Other cities, including Pamplona, Girona, Asturias, and Valencia, saw protests ranging from several hundred to a few thousand participants.
Eyewitnesses in Barcelona and Valencia accused police of using rubber bullets and pepper spray to disperse crowds. Meanwhile, Spain’s major trade unions, including CCOO and UGT, organised two strikes from 10 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm, while CGT and Solidaridad Obrera called a 24-hour general strike. Media outlets such as Canal Sur and El Salto limited broadcasting in solidarity, focusing coverage on Palestine.
CGT general secretary Miguel Fadrique stated that the persecution of Palestinians has been ongoing for decades, intensifying since October 7, 2023. He urged a blockade of diplomatic and commercial relations with Israel despite the ceasefire.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsSpain’s position on Israel
Angél Mas, president of the pro-Israel group ACOM, described the situation in Spain as “very strange,” claiming that radical street violence has been indirectly encouraged by the government. Mas suggested that the government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, is responsible for driving these demonstrations, including efforts to isolate Israel from international events.
Sanchez has taken a hardline stance since October 2023, calling for Israel’s exclusion from international competitions and approving an arms embargo. Last month, Netanyahu criticised Sanchez for a “blatant genocidal threat” after he lamented Spain’s lack of nuclear weapons. Mas warned that such policies could isolate Spain rather than Israel, noting the country’s reliance on Israeli technology and defence services.
Despite the marginal size and credibility of the unions, Mas said the protests and strikes are significant, highlighting ongoing efforts to “demonise and criminalise Israel” rather than focus solely on Palestinian civilians.
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