Spain intervenes in judicial proceedings for genocide in the Gaza Strip
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, announced today that Spain has presented a declaration of intervention in the proceedings of the International Court of Justice initiated by South Africa against Israel for genocide of the Palestinian people. Albares highlighted that this decision is made amid concern about the continuation of the military operation in Gaza and the regional extension of the conflict. Furthermore, he stressed Spain’s commitment to international law and the strengthening of the UN, supporting the court’s role as the system’s highest judicial body.
Support for precautionary measures and call for the cessation of military operations
Albares justified the presentation of the intervention declaration to support the application of precautionary measures, especially in the completion of military operations in Rafah, the obstacles to humanitarian aid and the destruction of civil infrastructure that must be stopped. Likewise, he called for a cessation of bombing, a ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages, and urgent and unrestricted access of humanitarian aid to the civilian population.
Recognition of the Palestinian State and international relations
The Council of Ministers of Spain recently sealed the recognition of the Palestinian State, aligning itself with the resolutions of the UN Security Councils. This implies Spain’s commitment to not accepting changes to the 1967 border lines that are not agreed upon by both parties, in reference to Palestine and Israel. In addition, the need to connect the West Bank and Gaza by a corridor is established, and for East Jerusalem to be the capital of Palestine.
Threat to close the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem
The Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, threatened to close the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem if Spain does not comply with the order not to provide services to Palestinians residing in the occupied West Bank. This situation has been addressed in the context of international relations, governed by the principle of reciprocity.