Ireland has announced its intention to intervene in a genocide case initiated by South Africa against the Israeli regime at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its prolonged military campaign in the Gaza Strip. Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin revealed the decision, stating that it followed a thorough analysis of legal and policy considerations related to the case, along with consultations with South Africa.
South Africa initiated the lawsuit at the end of December, accusing Israel of failing to uphold commitments under the 1948 Genocide Convention after months of Israeli aggression against Palestinians in Gaza. The ICJ issued interim measures on January 26, deeming South Africa's claims credible and ordering Israel to take steps to prevent genocidal acts and facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza.
While Martin did not specify the form of Ireland's intervention or its legal arguments, he condemned Tel Aviv for its ongoing actions in Gaza, citing violations of international humanitarian law, including the targeting of civilians and infrastructure, withholding of aid, and the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons.
The Gaza conflict, which began on October 7 following Palestinian retaliatory actions, has been accompanied by a severe blockade, severely limiting the flow of essential goods into the territory. Concerns over famine in Gaza have escalated, with the United Nations warning of dire consequences if the situation does not improve.
During the course of the conflict, more than 32,000 Gazans, including a significant number of women, children, and adolescents, have lost their lives, underscoring the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.
