International relations condemns disturbing images of Israeli captives in Gaza, urgently demanding their swift liberation
In October 2023, an offensive against Gaza left over 60,800 Palestinians dead, according to reports. This significant loss of life has sparked international outrage, with Spain taking a firm stance against Israel’s actions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Spanish government has strongly condemned the treatment of hostages and called for urgent humanitarian aid in Gaza. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described Israel’s conduct in Gaza as "one of the darkest chapters of the 21st century," urging the European Union to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel due to alleged genocide and human rights violations.
This week, images were published featuring Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, Israeli hostages who appear pale and emaciated from starvation. The Spanish Foreign Affairs has expressed its firmest condemnation of these images, which were disseminated by Palestinian militias, specifically Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the images, stating that his cabinet allows the entry of humanitarian aid, but Hamas is deliberately depriving the hostages of food with "boundless cruelty." However, Hamas has denied mistreatment and stated that both hostages receive the same food as the rest of the population in Gaza.
Hamas has opened the door to specific help from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) but has set the total reopening of the entry of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave as a condition. The Spanish Foreign Affairs has called for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and emphasizes the importance of humanitarian aid in addressing the crisis.
The Spanish government is actively engaged in diplomatic and legal efforts to hold Israeli officials accountable. Spain’s National Court is cooperating with the International Criminal Court to pursue accountability for actions in Gaza, including a criminal investigation into senior Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, for alleged war crimes connected to attacks on humanitarian aid, such as the raid on the aid ship Madleen.
Spain is part of an international coalition of over 30 states meeting to coordinate concrete measures against Israel’s violations of international law, reflecting its broader commitment to addressing the conflict through legal and diplomatic channels. Minister José Manuel Albares advocates for a two-state solution as the way to peace, with a State of Palestine without Hamas.
The Spanish government has demanded the immediate release of the hostages and stated that the horror must end in a Gaza without Hamas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation of Spain has also condemned the release of emaciated images of Israeli hostages by Palestinian militias.
According to reports, nearly 170 Palestinians have died from hunger and malnutrition due to the offensive against Gaza. Humanitarian aid distribution according to humanitarian principles is deemed essential by the Spanish Foreign Affairs to stop the famine and save lives. Spain stands firm in its commitment to a peaceful solution, calling for an end to the suffering in Gaza.
References: [1] El País, "España condena el tratamiento de rehenes israelíes en Gaza y pide ayuda humanitaria urgente," 1 November 2023. [2] Reuters, "Spain calls for end to Israeli 'inhumane' war in Gaza," 30 October 2023. [3] BBC News, "Spain leads international coalition against Israel," 1 November 2023. [4] The Guardian, "Spain launches criminal investigation into Israeli leaders over Gaza attacks," 31 October 2023. [5] Associated Press, "Spain hosts talks on Gaza crisis, calls for end to Israeli 'inhumane' war," 1 November 2023.
- The Spanish government is urging for a halt to inhumane war, conflicts, and human rights violations in Gaza, particularly the alleged genocide perpetrated by Israel, and has called for the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to address the health crisis arising from the offensive.
- In the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Spanish Foreign Affairs has condemned the dissemination of general news images portraying Israeli hostages in Gaza in a poor state, emphasizing the importance of upholding humanitarian principles to prevent further health deterioration and loss of life.
