A court in Barcelona has launched an investigation into the shipping giant Maersk over allegations that it had transported weapons from the United States to Israel in the past six months.
The case was prompted by a complaint from the Catalan campaign group Prou Complicitat amb Israel (Stop Complicity with Israel), according to the Catalan News Agency (ACN).
The group is calling on Spanish authorities to identify the captains of two vessels, Nexoe and Detroit, which it alleges were involved in the arms shipments.
Last Wednesday, the investigating judge ordered that the two captains, along with Maersk's legal representative in Spain, be summoned to testify.
Their hearings were scheduled for Monday, coinciding with the Nexoe's arrival at the Port of Barcelona, where it was due to remain until 19:00 local time, according to Maersk's public records.
The activist campaign has long accused Spanish ports of being used to transfer military equipment to Israel and reiterated calls for the Spanish government to impose an arms embargo.
"This is further proof that Spain has yet to enforce any ban on arms exports to Israel - something it must do immediately," the group said in a statement.
Spain halted arms sales to Israel after it launched a military onslaught against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In May 2024, it recognised the State of Palestine, joining several other European nations in what Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called a "historic" move.
At the time, Sanchez told parliament that "no matter how many walls are erected or towns bombed, Palestine's identity will endure - in our hearts, in international law, and in the vision of a peaceful Mediterranean future."
The country has been one of Europe's most critical voices about Israel's Gaza offensive and is working to rally other European capitals behind the idea of recognising a Palestinian state.