In a dramatic diplomatic development, Barcelona City Council has suspended all institutional ties with Israel and its capital until a "definitive ceasefire" is implemented in Gaza. The decision marks a significant escalation in municipal-level foreign policy interventions.
Breaking Diplomatic Protocol
The council announced it would immediately freeze its relationship with the State of Israel and the city of Tel Aviv, with whom Barcelona has maintained a twin city agreement since 1998. This represents one of the most substantial municipal diplomatic actions taken by a European city regarding the ongoing conflict.
Official Demands and Conditions
According to the official statement released on Wednesday, Barcelona will only restore relations when Israel agrees to:
- Implement an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza
- Cease all actions that constitute "war crimes" according to international law
- Respect international humanitarian legislation without reservation
- Allow uninterrupted humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip
Immediate Israeli Response
The Israeli foreign ministry reacted swiftly, condemning the decision as aligning with " Hamas terrorism." In a strongly worded statement, Israeli officials accused Barcelona's mayor of giving "a reward to terrorism" and drawing "a moral equivalence between Israel... and the Hamas terrorist organisation."
Historical Context and Local Politics
Barcelona's relationship with Israel has been increasingly strained in recent years. The current mayor, Jaume Collboni, had previously maintained the twin city agreement despite pressure from left-wing coalition partners. This suspension represents a significant policy shift that reflects growing European municipal activism in international affairs.
The decision comes amid ongoing protests and demonstrations across Spanish cities calling for stronger action regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
