Spain has announced it will dispatch humanitarian aid to Cuba to help address critical shortages of essential goods caused by the intensifying United States economic blockade. The pledge came following talks in Madrid between Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and his Spanish counterpart, Jose Manuel Albares.
Spain’s aid to Cuba follows tightening of ‘illegal’ US embargo
In an official statement published by Novara Media, Spain’s foreign ministry confirmed it will provide humanitarian aid to Cuba. This will be achieved through the United Nations system in the form of food and essential health products.
Following the meeting, Rodriguez took to X to condemn what he described as the violations of peace, security, and international law. He also condemned the increasing hostility of the United States against Cuba, causing suffering to people.
The development follows former President Donald Trump’s recent tightening of the decades-long US embargo, which numerous countries consider illegal. Washington moved to cut Cuba off from its primary sources of oil and fuel, triggering widespread blackouts across the island.
Fuel crisis paralyzes Havana as garbage piles up
The fuel crisis has crippled basic municipal services. Garbage piles up on city streets as waste collection trucks sit idle.
Additionally, citizens now contend with intermittent water supplies, spoiled food, and suspended school classes. It also postponed hospital procedures, including surgeries, and caused ,severe disruptions to public transport.
“Families spend entire days searching for fuel, cooking gas, or basic goods rather than working,” reported Spanish newspaper El Pais, describing the daily struggle facing ordinary Cubans.
Adding to the crisis, Venezuela, Cuba’s main fuel supplier halted shipments last month. This follows the US apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Reacting to the broader geopolitical situation, Bolivian public commentator Alex Oca called for international action. He said every nation with any moral sense should be doing whatever it can to break the illegal, inhumane blockade of Cuba and to end the genocide in Palestine.
Findings by Charity Journal reveal Spain’s commitment positions it alongside a growing coalition of nations pushing back against the US embargo by providing direct relief to the Cuban people.
In related development, Mexico has sent two naval vessels carrying 814 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba, despite growing pressure from the United States.
On the other hand, Canadian politician and activist, Avi Lewis, has accused US President Donald Trump of fuelling a humanitarian crisis in Cuba through an oil blockade. Lewis stated that the policy is causing devastating power outages and rationing for the island’s 11 million people.