Spanish authorities have launched a formal investigation into Israel’s recent interception of the “Resilience Flotilla,” a humanitarian convoy seeking to deliver vital aid to Gaza. The probe, opened on September 18, will examine whether the operation amounts to serious violations of international humanitarian law and constitutes war crimes under Spanish law.

The flotilla, comprising dozens of vessels from multiple nations, was targeted in international waters by around ten Israeli warships. Activists aboard condemned the operation as a war crime, while Spanish officials called for the immediate release of those detained. Prosecutors are gathering detailed evidence, including the flags of the vessels, their cargo, and the nationalities of those on board, to support potential proceedings before international courts.

The incident comes amid a decades-long blockade that has deprived Gaza of food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid, contributing to what many observers describe as systematic collective punishment. Since October 2023, more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 169,000 injured, with starvation taking hundreds more lives, including children. The flotilla’s interception has intensified international calls to recognise the blockade and its enforcement as crimes under international law, demanding accountability for those responsible.