Spain Joins International Legal Action Against Israel for Gaza Genocide Claims
Spain has joined South Africa's complaint to the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) to investigate whether Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. This move was formally announced by the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, nine days after Spain recognized Palestine as an independent state.
Albares emphasized that Spain's objective is twofold: to restore peace in Gaza and the Middle East and to adhere strictly to international law. 'We ask for the cessation of bombings, a ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access to civilians,' Albares stated. This decision comes in the wake of an Israeli bombing of a school in central Gaza, which left at least 35 people dead.
Albares reassured that Spain does not aim to pass judgment but to support the ICJ in enforcing precautionary measures, as ordered by the court, to stop military operations. Spain and Ireland are currently the only European nations supporting this legal action, a move joined by more than 60 countries globally.
International Repercussions and Human Rights Concerns
Spain's decision aligns with global condemnations, as several countries have joined the cause post-South Africa’s litigation in December 2023 alleging Israel's breach of the 1948 Genocide Convention. The conflict has resulted in over 118,000 Palestinian casualties, including overwhelming numbers of children and women, amid widespread destruction and famine.
Concerns over human rights abuses have been echoed by entities such as the United Nations and numerous humanitarian organizations. Reports highlighted the use of extreme torture methods and ill-treatment of detainees in Israeli detention centers like Sde Teiman. Calls for investigations and improved humanitarian conditions have intensified.
Media outlets and experts emphasize ongoing brutal conditions under Israeli operations. International newspapers have spotlighted issues ranging from the persistence of Palestinian resistance groups to the excessive force employed in detention camps. Institutions like the United Nations and the Israeli Supreme Court are actively scrutinizing these practices.
Additionally, Spain's foreign policy highlights the implementation of a two-state solution as essential for achieving lasting peace. President Pedro Sánchez recently affirmed that recognizing Palestine complements this goal. Sánchez proposed establishing a viable Palestinian state encompassing the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem as its capital.
- Spanish Foreign Minister Albares underlined Spain’s position of not judging but rather supporting the ICJ's directives aimed at halting the military operation.
- Spanish Vice President Yolanda Díaz has urged the immediate withdrawal of the Spanish ambassador to Israel, highlighting the grave humanitarian crisis and escalating loss of life.
- President Pedro Sánchez stressed the importance of a viable Palestinian state as key to peace, envisaging a unified territory involving the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
