Strengthening ICC Facts, Spain Forms Team To Collect Israel's Data Violating Human Rights In Gaza

JAKARTA - Spain announced efforts to investigate human rights violations by Israel in Gaza to help strengthen the facts of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision against top Israeli officials on alleged war crimes

Spain's Attorney General, Alvaro Garcia Ortiz, has "issued a decree to form a working team tasked with investigating violations of international human rights law in Gaza," the Spanish Attorney General's office said Thursday, September 18, quoted by AFP.

The announcement of the investigation marks Spain's sharp follow-up to the Israeli military offensive since October 2023 leading to the destruction and acute hunger in the Palestinian territories.

The mission of the Spanish investigation team focused on collecting evidence and data for the authorities on this matter.

Alvaro said this was a fulfillment of Spain's obligations related to international cooperation and human rights.

"Facing the current situation in the Palestinian territories, all evidence, both direct and indirect, that can be collected in our country, about crimes committed" in Gaza must be included "for potential use in the ICC case," Alvaro added in his decree.

The announcement also included a Spanish police report containing Israeli military actions in Gaza that are committed to crimes against the international community.

Earlier, the ICC had issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in military operations in Gaza.

Spain is also listed as joining Israel's prosecution for genocide in Gaza in the International Court.