News|Israel-Palestine conflictBelgium joins South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at ICJOther countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain and Turkiye, have already joined the case in The Hague.
Belgium has officially joined the case initiated by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging that Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
Belgium has officially joined the case initiated by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging that Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
On Tuesday, the ICJ, the United Nations' highest court based in The Hague, confirmed that Belgium submitted a declaration of intervention in the ongoing case.
Countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, and Turkiye have also joined the proceedings initiated by South Africa in December 2023. The case contends that Israel's actions in Gaza contravene the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Israel has denied these allegations and criticized the case. In January 2024, the ICJ issued provisional measures requiring Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. Although these orders are legally binding, the ICJ lacks a direct enforcement mechanism.
Belgium has officially joined the case initiated by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging that Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The ICJ further stated that Israel's presence in occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and equates to annexation. Despite the court's rulings and increasing international criticism, Israel has continued military operations in Gaza and the West Bank while advancing plans to annex significant portions of Palestinian territory.
Meanwhile, the United States and several European allies maintain military and financial support for Israel. The US has dismissed the validity of South Africa's case, with lawmakers criticizing and threatening South Africa. Additionally, the US has imposed sanctions on members of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
Belgium is also part of a group of countries that recognized the State of Palestine in September. Currently, nearly 80 percent of UN member states recognize Palestine.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, since a ceasefire began on October 10, Israel has killed at least 406 Palestinians and injured 1,118 in the enclave. Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, the ministry reports at least 70,942 Palestinians have been killed and 171,195 wounded.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
