Spain has announced its decision to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as confirmed by Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Thursday.
“We made this decision in light of the continuation of the military operation in Gaza,” Albares stated during an urgent press briefing. He emphasized Spain’s grave concern over the regional expansion of the conflict and highlighted the nation’s commitment to international law as a driving factor behind the decision.
Spain’s intervention aims to support the ICJ in implementing precautionary measures to end military operations in Rafah, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, and halt the destruction of civilian infrastructure. Albares stressed that Spain’s goal is to end the war and advance towards a two-state solution, which he views as essential for achieving lasting peace and security for Palestinians, Israelis, and the entire region.
Albares underscored Spain’s consistent stance by referencing its earlier decision to join Ukraine’s case against Russia, asserting that the move against Israel is driven by the same principles. He refrained from labeling the situation in Gaza as genocide, deferring to the ICJ to make that determination.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions, including Israel’s threats to close the Spanish Consulate in Jerusalem following Spain’s recognition of Palestine as a state. Despite this, Albares insisted that the consulate’s historical status, predating the establishment of the Israeli state, should be respected.
The decision also follows recent deadly airstrikes by Israel in Gaza, which have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. According to Gaza authorities, at least 39 displaced Palestinians were killed in an airstrike on a school in the Nuseirat refugee camp on Thursday. The ongoing conflict, ignited by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in nearly 36,600 Palestinian deaths and over 83,000 injuries, with vast areas of Gaza left in ruins and suffering from severe shortages of essential supplies.
In its latest ruling, the ICJ has ordered Israel to halt its operations in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians have sought refuge. Spain’s involvement in the case reflects its broader aim to contribute to a resolution that upholds humanitarian standards and international law.–News Desk