Madrid (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Spain plans to investigate alleged human rights violations in Gaza to support the International Criminal Court, which has requested arrest warrants for Israeli officials over suspected war crimes, according to the attorney general.
A statement said the attorney general had
“issued a decree to create a working team tasked with investigating violations of international human rights law in Gaza”
To
“gather evidence and make it available to the competent body, thereby fulfilling Spain’s obligations regarding international cooperation and human rights.”
What charges do ICC warrants bring against Israeli leaders?
The ICC issued arrest warrants for two high-ranking officials in November 2024. It included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. They were accused of being accountable for the crime of starvation as a method of warfare, and for crimes against humanity- murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts- in the conflict in Gaza.
What was the conclusion of the UN inquiry about Israel’s actions?
Moreover, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry found that Israel has instigated genocide in Gaza, with the actions being attributed to high-ranking Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who they state instigated the genocidal actions for the purpose of trying to eliminate the Palestinians.
According to a 72-page legal analysis by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, the strongest UN finding to date, genocide is happening in Gaza and is ongoing.
“Genocide is happening in Gaza,”
Said Navi Pillay, head of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and a former judge on the International Criminal Court.
“The responsibility for these atrocity crimes lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons, who have orchestrated a genocidal campaign for almost two years now with the specific intent to destroy the Palestinian group in Gaza.”
What measures has Spain taken against Israel so far
These action forms part of a larger Spanish government initiative, publicised by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to prevent what the Spanish government calls genocide in Gaza. Spain has implemented several policies, including an arms embargo against Israel; bans on the transit and importation of goods associated with illegal settlements; limitations on entry for individuals suspected of war crimes; and increased humanitarian support for Palestinians.
