- Spain joins ICJ genocide case against Israel
- Decision influenced by Gaza conflict concerns
- Recognition of Palestine sparks Israeli backlash
Spain has announced that it will participate in the case filed by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The case accuses Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention in its assault on the Gaza Strip.
Jose Manuel Albares, the Spanish Foreign Minister, announced Thursday, “We have made this decision considering the ongoing military operation in Gaza.
“We are also deeply concerned about the conflict’s regional expansion,” he stated during a press conference.
Albares stated that Spain’s decision to “allow peace to return to Gaza and the Middle East” was also influenced by its dedication to international law.
A week after Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognized the state of Palestine, Albares stated, “Our sole objective is to conclude the conflict and progress toward the implementation of the two-state solution.”
The three countries’ action elicited a furious response from Israel, which accused them of “rewarding terrorism” and withdrew its ambassadors.
In late December, South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel, alleging that it had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Health officials in the besieged and bombarded territory of Gaza have reported that the mortality toll from Israel’s war on Gaza, which commenced in October, has surpassed 36,500.
Israel initiated the assault after the Palestinian group Hamas led an attack on southern Israel from Gaza, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,140 individuals.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will probably not decide on the merits of the genocide case for several years. The United Nations’ highest court lacks the ability to enforce its rulings, which are binding and cannot be appealed.
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Israel has consistently maintained that it is conducting itself by international law in Gaza. It has characterized the genocide case as unfounded and accused South Africa of serving as “the legal arm of Hamas.”
Spain will formally request to participate in the case against Israel, joining several other countries, such as Colombia, Egypt, and Turkey.
