Ireland has confirmed its decision to intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with plans to submit its own legal documents before the year’s end. This announcement follows a significant move by the Irish parliament, which passed a non-binding motion accusing Israel of perpetrating genocide in Gaza. The motion reflects Ireland’s growing condemnation of Israel’s military actions in the region.
South Africa initiated the legal proceedings at the ICJ in December, alleging that Israel’s actions in Gaza contravene the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, a claim that Israel has strongly rejected. The case has garnered international support, with several countries, including Spain, Bolivia, and Turkey, lending their weight to the proceedings.
Ireland’s involvement comes after South Africa submitted a detailed memorial on Monday, presenting evidence of alleged genocide in Gaza. In response, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin emphasized that the government’s decision to intervene was based on rigorous legal analysis, stressing Ireland’s longstanding commitment to international law and accountability. Martin further underlined that Ireland has always been a strong advocate for the ICJ’s work and its role in upholding global justice.
The memorial filed by South Africa, which remains confidential, is reportedly over 750 pages long and includes thousands of pages of supporting documents, intended to substantiate the claim of genocide. The ICJ has confirmed receiving the submission but has refrained from providing additional details about the case.
Ireland has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which triggered the current conflict in Gaza. In addition to supporting the ICJ case, Ireland has taken significant diplomatic steps, including appointing its first Palestinian ambassador earlier this year, a move that reflects its growing recognition of Palestinian statehood. The Irish government has also called for Israel’s suspension from the United Nations, citing Israel’s severance of ties with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), a key body providing assistance to Palestinians in Gaza and beyond.
