The Barcelona City Council approved on Friday a complete severance of its institutional ties with the State of Israel, suspending the twin cities agreement with Tel Aviv - until there is 'full respect for international law and human rights of the Palestinian people in Gaza.' The decision calls for a complete freeze on relations with the current Israeli government and termination of ties with companies associated with Israel, including a ban on ships carrying weapons to Israel from docking at Barcelona's port. Hamas welcomed Barcelona's decision.