Spanish Steelmaker Cuts All Ties with Israel over Gaza Atrocities
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Spanish steel giant Sidenor announced a complete halt to sales to Israel, citing public outrage over Israel’s brutal military campaign and mounting evidence of crimes against Palestinians.
Sidenor declared Tuesday that it will terminate all trade with Israel.
Local media reported the decision follows revelations that the company had shipped 1,207 tons of steel bars to Israeli weapons producer IMI Systems over a 10-month period starting last August.
Basque-based Sidenor, among Europe’s largest specialized steelmakers, confirmed the move through broadcaster Cadena Ser.
The company stated the financial impact would be negligible, with Israeli sales representing under 0.5% of total revenue.
It said the decision aligns with the Spanish government’s appeal to end trade supporting Israel’s military machine.
“Sidenor gave in to social pressure,” Spain’s Minister of Consumer Affairs Pablo Bustinduy posted on Bluesky.
He said he still awaited a response from the head of Spain’s business confederation to demands to “sever all ties between Spanish companies and the occupation, apartheid and genocide of the Palestinian people.”
Spain has suspended arms sales to Israel since the Gaza onslaught began, though reports indicate some contracts remain active.
Madrid has emerged as one of the fiercest European critics of Israel’s relentless assault, which has killed more than 56,600 people and forced hundreds of thousands to the brink of starvation.
Last year, Spain advanced recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently condemned the European Union for refusing to suspend its trade agreement with Israel despite “flagrant violations” of human rights provisions.
