UK MPs Urge Intervention Against US Oil Tanker for Israel in Gibraltar
- Members of Parliament in Gibraltar are opposing the docking of a US tanker intended to supply jet fuel to Israel.
- Campaigners argue that allowing the tanker to dock would make Gibraltar complicit in a potential breach of international law.
- The situation reflects the tensions surrounding international military logistics and support for Israel.
A cross-party group of UK MPs has called for government intervention to prevent the US oil tanker, Overseas Santorini, from docking in Gibraltar. The tanker is reportedly carrying 300,000 barrels of military-grade jet fuel intended for use by Israel in its operations in Gaza. The MPs, representing various parties including the Scottish Nationalists, Labour, and the Green Party, have expressed concerns that the fuel will be used to power Israeli F-16 and F-35 fighter jets involved in airstrikes. Protests in Spain, led by trade unionists and political activists, have already forced the tanker’s owners to abandon plans to dock in Algeciras. The MPs' letter to Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasizes the need to prevent Gibraltar from becoming a conduit for military supplies that could facilitate breaches of international law. The campaign, branded “No Harbour for Genocide,” has garnered support from Spanish political figures and port-worker unions, amplifying calls for action against the tanker’s docking. The Gibraltar government has stated that the Overseas Santorini has not requested to dock or utilize port services. Meanwhile, Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has reiterated that Spain will not permit ships carrying weapons for Israel to dock at its ports, reflecting a broader regional stance against military support for the ongoing conflict. In a related development, UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has prioritized establishing a free trade agreement with Israel, indicating a complex interplay between trade interests and geopolitical concerns.