The complaint will be incorporated into the pre-procedural investigation proceedings opened last year in the Audiencia Nacional concerning alleged violations of international law in Gaza.
The complainants argue that CAF's light rail project in Jerusalem contributes to “Israel's illegal annexation of occupied East Jerusalem, the maintenance and expansion of Israel's illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, and the continuation of discriminatory and inhumane practices by Israel against the Palestinian population”.
“"The situation in Palestine is not the responsibility of public institutions, companies, or universities. We should not seek adversaries at home."
Responding to the complaint, the general deputy of Gipuzkoa, Eider Mendoza, urged “not to seek adversaries at home,” stating that the sole responsible party for the situation in Gaza is Israel's Prime Minister, Netanyahu. Mendoza emphasized that this situation is not the responsibility of public institutions, companies, or universities.
Meanwhile, Basque Government spokesperson Maria Ubarretxena stated that Imanol Pradales' government will “closely follow” the progress of this complaint. The Basque Government, which holds a 3% stake in the Gipuzkoan railway manufacturer, expressed its “absolute respect” for the process.
The LAB union, which holds a majority in the works council of CAF's Beasain plant, issued a statement demanding that the company abandon the light rail project in Jerusalem, arguing that it “does not respect international law.” The union recalled that the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory concluded last year that several companies, including CAF, were profiting from the Palestinian occupation. LAB has opposed the project since its signing in 2019 and has reiterated its request for CAF's management to withdraw.
