The decision comes after authorities refused permission for a Danish cargo ship, the Marianne Danica, to dock in Cartagena with a reported shipment of 27 tonnes of explosives from India.

"The Middle East does not need more weapons, it needs more peace," said Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. "This will be a consistent policy for any ship carrying arms to Israel."

The move follows calls from some Spanish politicians to block another ship, the Borkum, which pro-Palestinian groups allege is carrying weapons to Israel. The government authorized the Borkum's port call in Cartagena as its final destination is the Czech Republic. However, left-wing parties have urged the government to deny access to the Borkum in solidarity with Palestine.

Spain has been a vocal critic of Israel's genocide in Gaza and has previously halted arms sales to the country. (ILKHA)