Spanish Social Rights Minister Ione Belarra has called on European leaders to take immediate action against Israel, including severing diplomatic ties and imposing economic sanctions, in light of the intensified bombing and expanded ground operations in Gaza. Belarra also called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be prosecuted for alleged war crimes committed against civilians in Gaza.
In a passionate video message posted on social media, Belarra urged European leaders to not make their countries complicit in genocide and to act in order to stop the ongoing violence in Gaza. She emphasized the importance of holding Israel accountable for its actions and ensuring that there are consequences for the crimes against humanity being committed.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 8,000 Palestinians, including 3,342 children, have been killed in Gaza since the start of Israel’s air campaign. In response to the unprecedented Hamas raid into Israel and hundreds of rocket strikes on Israeli territory, approximately 1,400 people were killed, and 230 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage, as reported by the Israel Defence Forces.
Belarra highlighted the severity of the situation in Gaza, including the termination of internet and telephone services in the strip. She argued that this move by Israel has a clear objective of enabling them to commit crimes against humanity without facing any consequences.
The minister stressed that inaction by European countries is turning them into accomplices and allowing Israel to believe that its international alliances guarantee its impunity. Belarra called for immediate action, including cutting diplomatic relations with Israel, imposing economic sanctions on those responsible for the genocide, and bringing Netanyahu before the International Criminal Court to be tried as a war criminal.
Belarra also appealed to EU citizens to raise their voices and take to the streets to end what she described as a genocide.
The IDF intensified its air and ground attacks on Gaza, causing a near-total communication blackout. While connectivity was partially restored over the weekend, the Israeli blockade of Gaza remains in place. Netanyahu announced the “second stage” of the war against Hamas on Saturday, indicating that the violence will continue.
The call for action by the Spanish Social Rights Minister reflects a growing international concern over the violence in Gaza and the need to address the humanitarian crisis. The pleas for European countries to take concrete measures and hold Israel accountable are part of wider efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for the international community to take decisive action to protect innocent lives and work towards a lasting peace in the region. This includes addressing the root causes of the conflict, supporting humanitarian efforts, and promoting dialogue between all parties involved.
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