Spanish judicial authorities have launched a war crimes investigation against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over last month’s assault on the ship Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition heading to Gaza.

The case was initiated after a legal complaint filed by Spanish activist Sergio Toribio, the only Spanish national aboard the vessel, which was attempting to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza with humanitarian aid.

According to Palestinian legal sources, the Madleen was intercepted in international waters by Israeli occupation forces, who detained the passengers and confiscated their equipment. Rights groups stress that this case sets an important legal precedent in Europe, marking a rare step toward international accountability.

Palestinian organisations have welcomed the Spanish action, urging other European countries to follow suit and investigate Israeli crimes committed against peaceful activists and civilians attempting to deliver aid to the besieged population of Gaza.