Spain will ask the International Court of Justice for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, its foreign minister announced Thursday. This move marks the first time a European country has joined the case, which was filed by South Africa late last year.
Spain’s Decision Based on Ongoing Military Operation
Kabul 24: The decision to join the case was made due to the ongoing military operation in Gaza, said Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares in Madrid. Spain wants peace to return to Gaza and the Middle East, and believes that supporting the court is crucial for achieving this goal.
Other Countries Have Already Joined the Case
Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Libya, and the Palestinians have already requested to join the case currently being heard at the court in The Hague, Netherlands.
The court has ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah but stopped short of ordering a cease-fire for the enclave. Israel has not complied with the court’s order.
Spain’s Efforts to Support Peacemaking in Gaza
This move by Spain is part of the government’s efforts to support peacemaking efforts in Gaza. Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognized a Palestinian state on May 28 in a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations to add international pressure on Israel. Slovenia, a European Union member along with Spain and Ireland, followed suit and recognized the Palestinian state this week.
