Barcelona city suspends ties with Israel over Gaza war

By Nada Ali On Nov 27, 2023

Protesters in Barcelona march with a banner reading, "Let's stop the genocide in Palestine," on November 11, 2023. Photo Credit: Getty Images

The city council of Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city, has decided on Friday to suspend institutional relations with the Israeli regime until there is a permanent cease-fire in Gaza.

Mayor Ada Colau, Barcelona’s left-wing mayor who made the declaration, said “human rights are defended by taking sides, not by turning a blind eye.”

“It is time for the international community and the EU to recognise the Palestinian state. It is a valuable and important matter. We must do that with the EU,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.