MADRID: Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles on Saturday said that the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza is a “real genocide”, as relations between Israel and Spain worsen following Madrid’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
Robles’ statement echoed sentiments expressed earlier in the week by Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz, who also referred to the Israeli bombardment in Gaza as genocide.
In an interview with TVE state television, the Spanish defense minister emphasized the severity of the situation in Gaza and reiterated Spain’s commitment to addressing the violence.
“We cannot ignore what is happening in Gaza, which is a real genocide,” Robles stated during the interview, where she also discussed international crises such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in Africa.
Addressing concerns about Madrid’s decision to recognize Palestine, Robles clarified that it was not a move against Israel but rather aimed at contributing to the cessation of violence in Gaza. She emphasized respect for the Israeli people while condemning the ongoing violence.
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Saturday that at least 35,903 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the territory during more than seven months of relentless Israeli bombardment.
The toll includes 46 deaths over the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 80,420 people have been injured in the Gaza Strip since Israel launched a relentless bombardment campaign on October 7 last year.
Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state on May 28. Israel denounced the move as a “reward for terrorism” and recalled its ambassadors from the three countries.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) further intensified pressure on Israel by issuing an emergency ruling on Friday ordering an immediate halt to its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The ruling came in response to a case brought by South Africa, which accused Israel of genocide.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares reiterated Spain’s support for the ICJ’s decision, emphasizing the mandatory nature of the precautionary measures. He demanded Israel’s compliance with the court’s ruling, urging an end to the offensive in Rafah.
South Africa has condemned Israel for alleged violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention, accusing the country of failing to uphold its obligations. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed hope that increasing international recognition of the Palestinian state would bolster efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel bombed the Gaza Strip, including Rafah, on Saturday, a day after the top UN court ordered it to halt military operations in the southern city as efforts get underway in Paris to seek a ceasefire in Gaza.
Israeli ground troops started moving into Rafah in early May, defying global opposition.
Troops took over the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, further slowing sporadic deliveries of aid for Gaza’s 2.4 million people.
The security and humanitarian situation in the territory remains alarming, with a risk of famine, hospitals out of service, and around 800,000 people, according to the United Nations, having fled Rafah in the last two weeks.
UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said the situation had reached “a moment of clarity.” “Aid workers and UN staff must be able to carry out their jobs in safety,” he posted on social media site X late Friday.
“At a time when the people of Gaza are staring down famine… it is more critical than ever to heed the calls made over the last seven months: Release the hostages. Agree on a ceasefire. End this nightmare.”
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