Spain has become the first European country to request permission to join South Africa’s case against Israel for alleged genocide in Gaza. South Africa originally filed the case with the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of breaching the genocide convention. Following this, the court ordered Israel to halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. However, Israel has not complied and shows no sign of doing so. As a response to the ongoing military operation in Gaza, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that they hope to support peace in the region by joining the case.
Israel has denied accusations of committing genocide in its military operation to suppress Hamas, which was triggered by deadly attacks in southern Israel. In response, countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Libya, and the Palestinians are waiting for the International Court of Justice to grant approval for them to join the case as well. Over 140 countries have recognized a Palestinian state, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, but major Western powers, including the United States, have not followed suit. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has supported the recognition of a Palestinian state despite diplomatic backlash from Israel.
Spain’s request to join the case against Israel is the latest move by Prime Minister Sánchez’s government to support peacemaking efforts in Gaza. The recognition of a Palestinian state by Spain, Ireland, and Norway was part of a coordinated effort by Western European nations. Despite support for the Palestinians in Spain, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Sánchez’s government of being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes. However, Sánchez has condemned attacks by Hamas and demanded the return of remaining Israeli hostages while supporting the diplomatic pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to comply with the court’s interim measures to stop the bloodshed in Rafah.
The International Court of Justice allowed 32 countries, including Spain, to join Ukraine’s case against Russia last year, alleging breaches of the genocide convention. Preliminary hearings have already been held in the genocide case against Israel, but reaching a final decision is expected to take years. Despite the ongoing conflict, Spain’s government believes that supporting the court’s decision is crucial in applying pressure on Israel to comply with interim measures. The situation in Rafah has escalated, with Israeli troops expanding their presence in the city and causing significant harm to civilians, with tens of thousands fleeing the area.
The recognition of a Palestinian state and support for the case against Israel are part of Spain’s efforts to contribute to peace in Gaza. While Israel denies accusations of genocide, Spain’s request to join the case aims to add pressure on Israel to comply with the court’s decisions. The ongoing conflict and human rights violations in Gaza have sparked international attention and calls for justice, with Spain and other countries taking steps to hold Israel accountable. Ultimately, the involvement of various nations in the case against Israel demonstrates the global significance of the conflict and the need for a peaceful resolution in Gaza.
