Madrid, Spain – Spain has declared its intention to join South Africa’s case at the United Nations’ highest court, accusing Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. This move marks Spain as the first European nation to join the legal action, aligning with 12 other countries already involved.
“Our sole goal is to put an end to the war and to advance on the road of applying the two-state solution,” stated Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the conflict, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the ongoing violence in Gaza and the potential for broader regional instability.
The case, originally brought to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by South Africa last year, asserts that Israel’s military actions in Gaza violate the 1948 U.N. Genocide Convention. The conflict escalated following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths, according to official reports.
Albares underscored the critical nature of the ICJ’s role in determining whether Israel’s actions constitute genocide. If Spain’s request is approved, the country will be permitted to submit written statements and participate in public hearings.
Spain, alongside Ireland and Norway, has recently recognized the state of Palestine, joining over 140 other countries. This decision has elicited a strong response from Israel, which refutes the genocide accusations.
The ICJ, established after World War II to adjudicate disputes between states, has already mandated that Israel permit U.N. investigators to examine the genocide claims. Additionally, on January 26, the ICJ directed Israel to implement measures to prevent genocide during its Gaza operations.
In response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, South Africa has requested the ICJ to impose further emergency measures. Consequently, on May 24, the court ordered Israel to cease its offensive in Rafah, maintain open border crossings for humanitarian aid, and ensure the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7.
While preliminary hearings on the genocide allegations have taken place, a final decision from the ICJ could take several years. Spain’s involvement is seen as a significant development in the international community’s response to the Gaza conflict.
