In Madrid, newly-formed group Jurists for Palestine
Madrid, December 23 (RHC)-- The newly-formed platform, Jurists for Palestine, comprising lawyers, judges, prosecutors and academics, has called on the Spanish Congress to support a proposal to sever diplomatic ties with Israel and sanction the occupiers of the Palestinian territories.
Spokesperson for the platform, Magistrate Pilar Barrado, highlighted that the proposition, endorsed by nearly 1000 legal professionals, urges the government to uphold international treaties and resolutions from the ICJ and UN.
The Spanish jurist said: "Our platform demands the suspension of trade relations with Israel that perpetuate the occupation of Palestinian Territories, and calls for measures, including sanctions, against Israeli leaders responsible for the Gaza offensive. It also urges the implementation of an effective arms embargo with Israel and the severance of international relations with Israel."
The jurists are urging the government to work with the UN to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, which would enable the delivery of humanitarian aid and the restoration of basic services.
These demands are backed by a petition that has garnered over 400 signatures, according to the platform. Should their calls go unanswered, the group has stated that it is considering mobilizing actions to apply the necessary pressure in defense of justice and human rights.
Many nations fail to uphold their obligations under the 4th Geneva Convention to protect civilians in conflicts.
Montserrat Abad, Professor of International Law, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, said: "As Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis and the 57-year occupation persists, the ICJ has declared Israel's presence in Palestinian territories illegal, calling for an end to the occupation, evacuation of settlers, dismantling of settlements, and reparations for victims."
The Jurists for Palestine notes that traditional legal channels have proven ineffective in addressing Spain's complicity in the crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian people. This has led the group of legal professionals to unite to apply pressure.
