Spain’s acting Social Rights Minister, Ione Belarra, has sparked controversy by suggesting that Israel be taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes. In a video shared on Sunday, Belarra accused Israel of committing “war crimes” and labeled the European Union and the United States as “complicit” in these actions.
Belarra’s statement comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, now in its tenth day. The Israeli bombardment and blockade of Gaza have led to the displacement of over 1 million people, nearly half of the total population of Gaza.
We ask our partner that, as the Government of Spain, we bring Netanyahu before the International Criminal Court for war crimes. Here is my official statement 👇 pic.twitter.com/Wuu8nnKfVp
— Ione Belarra (@ionebelarra) October 16, 2023
The minister specifically called for actions to denounce Israel before the ICC, expressing concern over what she referred to as a “planned genocide” in Gaza. The region is grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis, marked by a lack of electricity, diminishing water and food supplies, and a shortage of fuel and medical resources.
The conflict, named Operation Al Aqsa Flood by Hamas, began on October 7 with a surprise attack involving rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. Hamas stated that the operation was in retaliation for the storming of the Al Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence. In response, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in Gaza.
The toll on civilians has been devastating, with the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes reaching 10,569, including 4,324 children.
The international community is closely watching developments in the region as calls for action against Israel gain momentum. The Spanish government’s stance on the matter is likely to generate further debate and diplomatic repercussions.
