The Irish government has formally requested to join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) confirmed that Ireland submitted a declaration of intervention in South Africa’s case against Israel, citing Article 63 of the court’s statute.
On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed a case against Israel, accusing it of committing acts of genocide against civilians and children in Gaza.
To date, Turkey, Nicaragua, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Palestine, and Spain have also requested to join South Africa’s case at the ICC. However, the court has not yet ruled on these requests.
South Africa’s 84-page submission to the court outlines evidence of Israel’s violations of its obligations under the United Nations Charter and its involvement in “acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.”
In November 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The move sparked outrage from Israel and its allies, including the United States, which is not a member of the ICC.
Despite mounting international pressure, including a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and ICJ orders to prevent acts of genocide and address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, Tel Aviv continues its military campaign with apparent disregard for international rulings.
