Israel boots Spain from Gaza coordination center over diplomatic tensions

Israel has removed Spanish officials from a U.S.-backed Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Spain of pursuing a "hostile diplomatic agenda" following Spain's recognition of a Palestinian state in 2024, which caused both nations to withdraw their ambassadors.

The CMCC, established on October 10, 2026 after the Gaza ceasefire, coordinates humanitarian aid and security responses in Gaza with participation from France, UK, UAE, and other countries. Netanyahu stated: "Countries that choose to criticise Israel instead of confronting terrorist organisations cannot expect to play a role in shaping the region's future."

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been among the strongest critics of Israel's military operations in Gaza, which began after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. The removal underscores deepening diplomatic strains at a critical time when international coordination remains crucial for Gaza's humanitarian crisis and post-conflict recovery. How might this diplomatic rift affect international efforts to stabilize Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to affected civilians?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/10/israel-accuses-spain-of-diplomatic-hostility-over-gaza/