Spain reminds Israel of 'obligation to respect international humanitarian law'

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) - Following a series of deadly airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, the Spanish government on Tuesday reminded Israel of its “obligation to respect international humanitarian law.”

In a Foreign Ministry statement, Madrid expressed its concern over the escalation of violence in Gaza and condemned both terrorism and reprisals that cause civilian casualties.

Israel conducted airstrikes on Tuesday that resulted in the death of at least 15 Palestinians, including four children, four women, and three high-ranking military officers from the Islamic Jihad group, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Thousands of Israelis residing near the Gaza Strip border were evacuated in anticipation of potential Palestinian retaliation.

Spain’s statement added to the chorus of condemnations of the airstrikes, which have been issued by countries, including Türkiye, Jordan and Egypt, as well as the UN Middle East envoy.

The EU called on all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint and adhere to international law.

Madrid also urged both parties to revisit the negotiation framework set out in the Aqaba and Sharm el Sheikh declarations to "prevent a new escalation of violence" and promote a two-state solution.

However, in a televised address on Tuesday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Palestinian groups, saying: "Any escalation on your part will be met with a crushing response on our part."