The Spanish public prosecutor opens an investigation into Israel's crimes in Gaza.

The Attorney General of Spain, Álvaro García Ortiz, announced that the authorities in Madrid have opened an investigation into whether the Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip constitute serious violations of international law.

The statement from the Spanish Public Prosecutor's Office clarified that the investigation aims to determine whether Israel's actions could fall under the categories of genocide or crimes against humanity, as stipulated in Spanish criminal law.

The statement said, "The Attorney General has issued a decree to form a working group to investigate violations of international human rights law in Gaza," with the aim of "collecting evidence and making it available to the relevant authorities, thereby respecting Spain's obligations regarding international cooperation and human rights."

It added that "this initiative taken by the Spanish Public Prosecutor's Office comes in response to the recommendations of the report from the independent international commission of inquiry established by the United Nations regarding the Palestinian territories, which urges state parties to cooperate with the investigation being conducted by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court."

The statement noted that this step aligns with Spain's international commitments and its support for the precautionary measures ordered by the International Court of Justice in the case brought by South Africa against the Israeli occupation authorities for committing genocide in Gaza.

The decision was based on the Organic Law of the Judiciary, which grants Spanish courts the authority to hear crimes committed outside their borders if the accused are present on Spanish territory or reside there.

In 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Spain is among the countries that joined the proceedings initiated by South Africa before the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing "genocide" in the Gaza Strip.

In May 2024, Spain recognized the Palestinian state, and other Western countries, including Britain, France, Australia, Canada, and Belgium, announced their intention to recognize Palestine during the upcoming meetings of the United Nations General Assembly this month.

Of the 193 member states of the United Nations, 149 countries recognize the Palestinian state declared by the Palestinian leadership in exile in 1988.