Spain Seeks to Join South Africa's UN Case Accusing Israel of Genocide

On Thursday, Spain made history as the first European nation to request permission from a UN court to join South Africa's case alleging Israel's genocide in Gaza.

Last year, South Africa submitted its case to the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of violating the genocide convention through its military offensive, which has devastated significant parts of Gaza.

The court has directed Israel to promptly cease its military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah but refrained from mandating a cease-fire for the entire enclave. Israel has yet to adhere to this directive and displays no indication of intending to do so.

"In light of the ongoing military operation in Gaza," remarked Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares in Madrid, "we have made this decision. We aim to restore peace to Gaza and the wider Middle East and to achieve this goal, it's imperative that we all rally behind the court."

Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Libya, and the Palestinians are currently awaiting approval from the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, to join the case.

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Israel denies allegations of committing genocide in its military operation against Hamas, which was launched in response to the deadly October 7 attacks in southern Israel. During these surprise attacks, Hamas killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israel's air and ground assaults have resulted in the deaths of 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians.

On May 28, Spain, Ireland, and Norway officially recognized the Palestinian state in a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations.

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