Finance leaders from G7 countries urge Israel to continue maintaining banking connections with Palestine

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has reached a new level of international scrutiny as Spain demands Israel comply with a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the bombardment and ground assault on the city of Rafah. The Spanish government emphasized that the ICJ’s ruling is legally binding and called for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, and access for humanitarian aid to Gaza.

However, the British government has criticized the ICJ’s order, expressing concerns that it could strengthen the position of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. A UK foreign ministry spokesperson stated that Hamas had rejected a generous hostage deal from Israel, and the intervention of international courts could embolden their actions, potentially jeopardizing the prospects for peace and a two-state solution.

The ICJ’s ruling came in response to a case brought by South Africa, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The court ordered Israel to halt its military offensive in Rafah and keep the Rafah crossing open for humanitarian aid. Additionally, it called for the unconditional release of hostages taken by Hamas during their attack in Israel.

In defiance of the ICJ’s order, Israel continued its bombing of Rafah and other parts of Gaza, leading to further casualties among the civilian population. Spain, along with other European countries, has been vocal in its criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, with Spain, Ireland, and Norway announcing their intention to recognize a Palestinian state in the near future.

The conflict in Gaza escalated following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages on both sides. The situation remains volatile, with no clear end in sight as international pressure mounts on Israel to comply with the ICJ’s ruling and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.