MADRID: The Spanish government demanded on Saturday that Israel comply with an order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to immediately stop its bombardment and ground assault on the Rafah city of the besieged Gaza Strip.
The ruling, issued on Friday, emphasized the cessation of military operations in Rafah and highlighted the necessity for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and uninterrupted access to humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“The precautionary measures set out by the ICJ, including that Israel should cease its military offensive in Rafah, are compulsory. Israel must comply with them,” Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares wrote on X.
The Foreign Minister underscored the legally binding nature of the ICJ’s precautionary measures, stating unequivocally, “Israel must comply with them.” The ICJ’s decision came in response to a case brought forth by South Africa, which alleged Israeli actions in Gaza amounted to genocide. The court’s order mandated an immediate halt to the ground and air offensive in Rafah. The court also expressed grave concerns for the safety of the 1.4 million civilians trapped in the besieged city.
Despite the ICJ’s authoritative directive, Israel launched further attacks on Rafah and other densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip in defiance of international outcry. The Hague-based court also directed Israel to keep open the crucial Rafah crossing with Egypt to facilitate the unobstructed flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Spain’s firm stance against Israeli actions in Gaza is part of a broader European sentiment critical of Israel’s conduct in the region. Earlier in the week, Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, announced plans to officially recognize a Palestinian state, prompting Israel to summon their envoys for reprimand. Israel announced its intention to prohibit Spain’s consulate in Jerusalem from providing assistance to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Since October 7 last year, Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza killing at least 35,857 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to data from the territory’s health ministry.
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