Belgium backs South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at ICJ
Belgium has formally joined South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), supporting efforts to hold Israel accountable for alleged genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The ICJ said on Tuesday that Belgium filed a declaration of intervention in the case. Several countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain and Türkiye, have already joined the proceedings.
South Africa brought the case in December 2023, arguing that Israel’s military offensive in Gaza violates the 1948 U.N. Genocide Convention. In a series of rulings in January, March and May 2024, the court ordered Israel to take all possible measures to prevent acts of genocide, including allowing urgently needed humanitarian aid. The rulings are legally binding, though the court lacks enforcement powers.
Israel has rejected the accusations and criticized the case.
Since October 2023, Israeli military operations have killed more than 70,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and displaced the majority of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents, according to Palestinian figures.
Belgium was also among the countries that recognized the State of Palestine in September, a status now acknowledged by nearly 80% of U.N. member states.
