Spain Initiates Criminal Investigation into Netanyahu Over Gaza Aid Vessel Attack
(MENAFN) Spain’s National Court initiated a criminal investigation on Tuesday targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and top military leaders for their suspected roles in war crimes and crimes against humanity. The inquiry centers on Israel’s recent assault on a humanitarian aid vessel.
The investigation scrutinizes the June 1 interception of the Madleen, a ship headed toward Gaza, according to Spanish MEP Jaume Asens on X.
The Madleen, carrying 12 international activists and humanitarian supplies, was seized by Israeli forces in international waters. Among those detained were Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian human rights advocate Rima Hassan.
Filed under universal jurisdiction by Spanish citizen Sergio Toribio and the Committee for Solidarity with the Arab Cause, the case accuses Israeli forces of deploying drones, tear gas, and unlawfully detaining civilians. It frames these actions as part of a larger pattern of violations linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Spain’s court has requested collaboration with the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing the raid within the context of alleged genocide in Gaza. This marks the first formal investigation by Spain into Israeli officials over the Gaza war.
"This is a major step in the fight against impunity. When states fail to fulfill their obligations, it is up to civil society to activate justice as an ethical, legal, and political tool against horror," Asens said.
Should the probe proceed, Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders could face travel restrictions across Europe, with possible arrest warrants issued in connection to the case.
The Israeli government has yet to respond officially to the investigation.
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