Spain will investigate alleged human rights violations in Gaza to assist the International Criminal Court (ICC) as it pursues arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials, Attorney General Alvaro Garcia Ortiz said Thursday. 

In a statement, García Ortiz’s office announced the creation of a working team tasked with gathering evidence of breaches of international humanitarian and human rights law in Gaza. The material will be shared with relevant bodies “to fulfill Spain’s obligations regarding international cooperation and human rights.”

“Faced with the current situation in the Palestinian territories, all evidence, direct or indirect, that can be gathered in our country on crimes committed in Gaza must be included for potential use in the ICC case,” the decree read. 

The Hague-based ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. 

Support for global accountability efforts

Madrid has also joined a separate case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing the Israeli regime of genocide in Gaza. Both international tribunals have come under sharp criticism from the Israeli occupation and its allies, who argue the proceedings are politically motivated.

In February, the United States imposed sanctions on the ICC, claiming the court “abused its power” by targeting Netanyahu. The Israeli regime, which is not a party to the ICC, contests the court’s jurisdiction in the case.

Spanish officials said the new investigative team underscores the country’s commitment to accountability and to supporting international justice mechanisms addressing violations in the Palestinian territories.

Spain axes €700 mln arms deals

Spain has taken one of its strongest steps yet against "Israel's" war on Gaza, canceling more than a billion euros in weapons contracts linked to Israeli companies and vowing to cut military ties with Tel Aviv.

An official document seen by AFP confirmed the termination of a contract worth nearly €700 million ($825 million) for 12 SILAM rocket launcher systems, built on the PULS platform designed by "Israel's" Elbit Systems. The decision was made public on September 9 through Spain's state contracts platform.

The following day, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced his government would enshrine into law a full ban on arms sales or purchases involving "Israel", declaring that the measures are aimed at stopping what he openly called "the genocide in Gaza."

The decree also prohibits Israeli-bound ships carrying fuel or weaponry from docking in Spanish ports and bars aircraft carrying defense material from transiting Spanish airspace.

Madrid has also canceled a €287 million deal for 168 anti-tank missile launchers manufactured under Israeli license. According to La Vanguardia, officials are now reviewing additional agreements as part of a broader plan to phase out Israeli weapons and technology from Spain's armed forces.