Madrid, July 09 (V7N) — A Spanish court has launched a preliminary investigation into Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and several senior Israeli military officials for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, following a deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid ship last month.

The case centers on the Israeli military’s June 1 raid on the MV Madeleine, a humanitarian aid vessel carrying 12 international workers, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Palestinian-French human rights defender Rima Hassan. The raid occurred in international waters, and the ship was reportedly delivering humanitarian supplies to Gaza.

The legal complaint was filed by Spanish citizen Sergio Toribio and the Committee for Solidarity with the Arab Cause under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows serious crimes like war crimes to be prosecuted regardless of where they were committed.

According to the filing, Israeli forces used drones and tear gas to detain civilians aboard the ship — part of what the petitioners describe as a broader pattern of systematic human rights violations amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

Spanish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jaume Asens Xe confirmed that the court is also seeking cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC). This marks Spain’s first formal investigation into the Israeli leadership concerning actions in the Gaza conflict.

“This is a major step in the fight against impunity. When states fail to fulfill their responsibilities, civil society must step up to ensure justice — it is a moral, legal and political tool,” said Asens.

If the court proceeds with formal charges, Israeli officials, including Netanyahu and Katz, could face arrest warrants in Europe, effectively limiting their international travel.

The Israeli government has not yet issued an official response to the investigation.

Source: Anadolu Agency

END/RH/AJ