A Maersk container ship has been blocked from entering the Spanish port of Algeciras, the Danish shipowner said today, refuting the presence of Israeli weapons in its cargo.
"The cargo overflowing at the port does not contain military weapons or ammunition," said the Danish business group Maersk, in a statement.
Two days earlier, in response to the newspaper El País, the Government of Spain explained that this container ship, as well as another also belonging to Maersk and which should dock at the end of the month, "will not make a stop in Spain" due, according to press, to the presence of Israeli weapons in its cargo.
Since the spring of this year, Spain has been trying to rally other European capitals around the idea of recognizing a Palestinian state soon, refusing permission to dock in its ports for ships carrying a load of weapons destined for Israel.
"To clarify future operations, we have consulted with Spanish authorities to understand why a cargo that is no different to previous cargoes was refused entry," shipping company Maersk said, noting that the cargo was not inspected.
"We understand that Spain has changed its criteria on a discretionary basis and is now refusing ships carrying anything related to the army to or from Israel, even if that cargo is legal," he lamented.
Spain, which has suspended arms sales to Israel, is one of the most critical European voices regarding the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
The Maersk Denver was diverted to Tangier, Morocco. According to the specialized website VesselFinder, the vessel is on its way to Oman, on the Arabian Peninsula.
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