Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has condemned Israel's interception of about 20 boats from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla as 'illegal.' The statement comes after approximately 175 pro-Palestinian activists, including Spaniards, were arrested.

According to sources, these activists aimed to breach Israel's blockade on the Palestinian territory of Gaza.

Sanchez took to X, a social media platform, to express his stance, emphasizing that Israel is once again violating international law by targeting a civilian flotilla in waters not belonging to it.

He called for immediate freezing of bilateral ties with Israel and urged respect for maritime law.

Spain had previously condemned the seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels in international waters off Greece.

In response to this incident, Madrid summoned Israel’s charge d’affaires in Spain to protest against the detention of these boats.

The Spanish foreign ministry released a statement highlighting their diplomatic efforts, including contact with organizers of the flotilla and discussions with Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and his counterparts regarding nationals on board.

The flotilla, composed of ships from Marseille in France, Barcelona in Spain, and Syracuse in Italy, set sail recently to challenge Israel's blockade on Gaza.

By early Thursday, organizers announced that their vessels had been surrounded by Israeli military ships near the coast of Crete.

Tensions between Israel and Spain have escalated since the 2023 Gaza War, triggered by Hamas cross-border attacks.

This escalation stems from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s persistent criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza and Spain's opposition to the US-Israeli confrontation with Iran.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu barred Madrid from participating in a US-led initiative aimed at stabilizing post-war Gaza, accusing Spain of waging a diplomatic campaign against Israel.

Both countries have since withdrawn their ambassadors.