Spain's National Court probes Israeli officials over Gaza flotilla

Spain's National Court has opened an investigation into senior Israeli military officials over the alleged illegal detention of activists during the October interception of a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla, limiting the probe to incidents involving Spanish-flagged vessels, El Pais reported on Friday.

Court accepts complaints

Judge Francisco de Jorge accepted complaints filed by the Communist Party of Spain, United Left Federal and several activists against Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Israeli Navy Commander Ram Rothberg. The court said the investigation covers the boarding of vessels flying the Spanish flag in international waters approximately 70 nautical miles off the coast on October 1. The Global Sumud flotilla was carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip when Israeli forces intercepted the convoy.

Allegations of force and torture

The complaints allege that Israeli personnel forcibly took control of the vessels, damaged property and illegally detained crew members, including dozens of Spanish citizens. The plaintiffs further stated that the detainees were later held at Israel's Ketziot Prison, where they were subjected to torture and denied effective legal and diplomatic assistance.

ICC jurisdiction sought

Judge de Jorge asked the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to clarify whether the alleged illegal detentions fall within its ongoing investigations into alleged Israeli genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Palestinian territories. The Spanish proceedings could proceed depending on whether the ICC determines the cases conflict with the court's existing investigations into events in the occupied territories.