![Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares [Dursun Aydemir – Anadolu Agency]](https://ras.mv/storage/3XO9SpGDoLeCSyb5DU7HTutLXmBKlN69Om9p8gb3.webp)
Spain announced Thursday its decision to join South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. This follows Spain’s recent recognition of Palestine, alongside Ireland and Norway, which has angered Israel.
“Our sole goal is to put an end to the war and to advance the two-state solution,” said Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. South Africa's case alleges that Israel's Gaza offensive violates the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. Israel denies these allegations.
The ICJ recently ordered Israel to allow UN investigators into Gaza and to prevent acts of genocide. Additionally, it demanded Israel halt military actions in Rafah and keep the border open for humanitarian aid. The court also called for the release of hostages taken by Hamas.
South Africa has repeatedly sought additional emergency measures from the ICJ, citing the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On May 24, the court demanded that Israel immediately cease its military activities in Rafah and keep the crucial border crossing open for unhindered humanitarian aid. It also called for the unconditional release of hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7 assault, which triggered the conflict.
While ICJ rulings are binding, enforcement is uncertain, as seen with its unheeded order for Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine.
“Our sole goal is to put an end to the war and to advance the two-state solution,” said Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. South Africa's case alleges that Israel's Gaza offensive violates the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. Israel denies these allegations.
The ICJ recently ordered Israel to allow UN investigators into Gaza and to prevent acts of genocide. Additionally, it demanded Israel halt military actions in Rafah and keep the border open for humanitarian aid. The court also called for the release of hostages taken by Hamas.
South Africa has repeatedly sought additional emergency measures from the ICJ, citing the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On May 24, the court demanded that Israel immediately cease its military activities in Rafah and keep the crucial border crossing open for unhindered humanitarian aid. It also called for the unconditional release of hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7 assault, which triggered the conflict.
While ICJ rulings are binding, enforcement is uncertain, as seen with its unheeded order for Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine.
