Spain seeks to join court action over Israel's alleged genocide.
Spain is set to become the first European Union (EU) nation to back South Africa's lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over alleged war crimes. This news was revealed by the Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares during a meeting in Madrid. The Minister referred to the ongoing conflict as a "widespread war that doesn't differentiate between military and civilian targets," warning that the chance of escalation looms.
During a press conference, Albares expressed his concerns about Israel's disregard for the ICJ's orders, saying, "We've come to the conclusion in the past few days that the measures ordered by the International Court of Justice aren't being implemented at all."
Spain has long been critical of Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip. Turkey, Egypt, and Chile have publicly shown their support for South Africa's lawsuit. In recent months, Spain has been one of the harshest critics of Israel's actions in Europe. The democratically-elected government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez already halted all weapon exports to Israel in October. At the end of May, Madrid joined Norway and Ireland in acknowledging Palestine as a state.
South Africa filed suit against Israel in late 2023 on the grounds that the country had violated the Genocide Convention. The UN Court later demanded that Israel take precautions to stop genocide and grant more access to humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. By the end of May, the ICJ instructed Israel to instantly halt its controversial military operation in Rafah, located in southern Gaza Strip.
Israel, on the other hand, denies the genocide allegations, maintaining that its actions stem from its right to self-defense. Reports indicate that around 1,200 people were killed after terrorists from Hamas and other radical groups attacked Israel's southern region on October 7. Palestinian authorities report over 36,000 deaths since the onset of the war in October.
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- Minister Albares stated that the situation in Gaza is a "widespread war" that poses a risk of escalation, prompting Spain to support South Africa's lawsuit against Israel at the ICJ.
- Israel's disregard for the ICJ's orders, as pointed out by Albares, has led Spain to conclude that Israel is not complying with the court's demands.
- During the conflict in the Gaza Strip, Israel has been heavily criticized by countries like Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Chile for alleged war crimes and violations of humanitarian law.
- In response to Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip, South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing the country of violating the Genocide Convention.
- Following South Africa's suit, the ICJ has issued several orders to Israel, instructing the country to prevent genocide and grant more access to humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
- However, Israel has rejected the genocide allegations, arguing that its actions are a legitimate exercise of its right to self-defense against terrorist attacks from Hamas and other radical groups.
- To address the ongoing conflicts and demands for justice in the Palestinian territories, it is essential for the international community, including the EU and Spain, to participate in the ICJ proceedings and work towards a peaceful resolution.
