Ireland submits intervention application in South Africa genocide case against Israel News
David Kernan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ireland submits intervention application in South Africa genocide case against Israel

Ireland officially submitted a declaration of intervention on Monday in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case initiated by South Africa against Israel, concerning allegations of genocide in Gaza.

In its declaration, Ireland condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, labeling them as reprehensible acts of terror and severe breaches of international law. The nation also called for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages taken during the attack. The declaration reaffirmed the universal nature of the Genocide Convention and its critical role in safeguarding humanity’s interests.

Ireland asserts that Articles I through VI of the convention are central to the proceedings and offers its interpretation of key provisions, including the prohibition of genocide as a peremptory norm of international law. The nation emphasized the universal importance of safeguarding essential humanitarian values and ensuring consistent application of the Convention among all parties.

The case, Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel), addresses the alleged violation of the Genocide Convention in Gaza. Ireland’s declaration, filed under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, reflects its direct interest as a contracting party to the Convention.

The proceedings stem from South Africa’s December 2023 application, which accuses Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention in its treatment of Palestinians in Gaza. South Africa has sought provisional measures to protect Palestinian rights and prevent further harm.

Ireland joins a growing list of states intervening in this high-profile case, including Colombia, Bolivia, and Nicaragua. Ireland’s intervention under Article 63 is confined to offering observations on the construction of the Genocide Convention and does not make it a party to the proceedings.

The ICJ invited South Africa and Israel to submit their written observations on Ireland’s intervention in accordance with Article 83 of the Rules of Court.

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