Spain to join S. Africa's ICJ case against 'Israel' over Gaza genocide
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Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has emphasized the paramount importance of restoring peace to Gaza and the broader Middle East region.
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Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno addresses a media conference prior to talks on the Middle East in Brussels, on May 27, 2024. (AP)
Spain made history by becoming the inaugural European nation to seek authorization from a United Nations tribunal to join South Africa's lawsuit against "Israel" for genocide in Gaza.
South Africa initiated its case with the International Court of Justice in late 2023, contending that "Israel's" military offensive in Gaza violated the genocide convention and inflicted extensive destruction.
The court has issued a directive for "Israel" to promptly cease its military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. However, it refrained from mandating a cease-fire for the entire enclave. Meanwhile, "Israel" has not adhered to the order and displays no indication of intending to comply.
"We take the decision because of the ongoing military operation in Gaza," Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said in Madrid. "We want peace to return to Gaza and the Middle East, and for that to happen we must all support the court."
Awaiting approval to join
Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Libya, and the Palestinian authorities are awaiting approval from the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, to join the ongoing case.
Once granted permission to participate in the case, Spain would have the opportunity to submit written arguments and present oral statements during public hearings.
Spain's request signifies the latest initiative by the administration led by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to bolster peace efforts in Gaza.
On May 28, Spain, Ireland, and Norway collectively acknowledged the existence of a Palestinian state in a coordinated move by the three Western European countries. Slovenia, an EU member alongside Spain and Ireland, subsequently followed suit by recognizing the Palestinian state earlier this week.
More than two-thirds of the United Nations' member states, totaling over 140 countries, have extended recognition to a Palestinian state. However, none of the significant Western powers, including the United States, have taken this step.
Sánchez's support for the Palestinians enjoys widespread backing in Spain, with some university students mirroring their American counterparts by staging protests on campuses. Spaniards are gearing up to cast their votes in the upcoming European Parliament elections this Sunday.
Albares stated that his government's decision aimed to immediately increase pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to comply with the court's interim measures aimed at halting the bloodshed in Rafah.
"I insist once again that these interim measures must be complied with," Albares said. "Whether this is genocide or not, that is for the court to decide, and Spain of course will support its decision."
The genocide is ongoing
In early May, Israeli occupation forces invaded the southern city of Rafah under the pretext of a limited incursion, but they have since expanded their presence into central areas of the city.
In the past 24 hours, the Israeli occupation carried out six massacres, murdering 68 Palestinians and injuring 235 others, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
This follows the most recent Israeli massacre at a UN-run school in Nuseirat, which claimed the lives of at least 45 displaced Palestinians.
This comes shortly after recent Israeli airstrikes near a UN Palestinian refugee agency facility in Rafah sparked a devastating inferno that engulfed nearby tents housing displaced families, resulting in the killing of at least 45 people, including children.
Meanwhile, over 1 million individuals have been forcibly displaced from Rafah, dispersing across southern and central Gaza, seeking refuge in makeshift tent camps, or cramming into schools and residences amid dire humanitarian situations and relentless Israeli bombings.
