Spain Joins South Africa Against Israel At ICJ Gaza Genocide Case

Children south of the Gaza Strip who were victims of Israeli attacks on Palestinians are starving in line for food distribution from humanitarian agencies. (UNICEF-Abed Zagout)

JAKARTA - Spain has declared joining South Africa to sue Israel for genocide in Gaza, Palestine. The lawsuit will run at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

This was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain Jose Manuel Albares in a press conference on Thursday, June 6 local time.

"We made this decision considering the continuing military operations in Gaza," Albares said, quoted by Al Jazeera.

"We are also observing and expressing concern about the expansion of the conflict in the region," he continued.

Albares said Spain's responsibility was not only to maintain peace and humanity in Gaza and the Middle East, but also to commitment to international law.

"Our only goal is to end the war and implement a two-state solution," said Albares.

Spain's decision comes a week after the western European country, along with Ireland and Norway recognizes the Palestinian state

Israel's anger responded to Palestinian recognition of the country on charges that the three European countries had awarded "terrorism". Israel then withdrew its ambassador.

South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel at the ICJ in January 2024. In the lawsuit, South Africa accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.

According to health officials, more than 36,500 people have died as a result of the Israeli attack on Gaza Palestine since October 2023.