Ireland announced on Wednesday its intention to intervene in the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel, signaling Dublin’s deep concern over Israeli operations in Gaza since October 7th last year.
Foreign Minister Michael Martin, in announcing the move, stated that while the International Court would determine the occurrence of genocide, he wanted to emphasize that the current situation in Gaza represents a blatant violation of international humanitarian law on a large scale.
He added in a statement that taking hostages, deliberately withholding humanitarian aid from civilians, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, indiscriminate use of explosives in populated areas, using civilian facilities for military purposes, and collective punishment of entire people.
He continued, stating that the list of violations is extensive and must cease.
The international community’s viewpoint is clear; enough is enough.
In January, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to refrain from any acts falling under the Genocide Convention and ensure its forces do not commit genocide against Palestinians after South Africa accused Israel of committing state-led genocide in Gaza.
A final judgment in South Africa’s case before the International Court of Justice in The Hague may take years.
Martin did not specify the form of intervention or outline the arguments or proposals his country intends to make.
However, he added that the step was determined after legal and political analysis and consultation with several partners, including South Africa.
Martin’s administration stated that such interventions by a third party do not take a specific side in the conflict, but the intervention would be an opportunity for Ireland to present its interpretation of one or more provisions of the genocide convention relevant to the case.
Last week, Ireland, a long-time supporter of Palestinian rights, joined Spain, Malta, and Slovenia in taking the initial steps toward recognizing the state declared by Palestinians in the West Bank, occupied by Israel, and in Gaza.