Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin announced Ireland’s decision to formally intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which accuses Israel of violating the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention.

The intervention will be filed at the ICJ in The Hague later this month, Martin confirmed following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

“There has been a collective punishment of the Palestinian people through the intent and impact of military actions of Israel in Gaza, leaving 44,000 dead and millions of civilians displaced,” Martin stated.

He added that Ireland’s involvement aims to broaden the ICJ’s interpretation of the Genocide Convention, expressing concerns that a narrow view of the treaty fosters impunity and undermines civilian protections.

“Ireland’s view of the Convention is broader and prioritizes the protection of civilian life,” Martin said, underscoring the nation’s commitment to promoting its interpretation through the intervention.

South Africa initiated the case against Israel in December, alleging that Israel’s actions during the war in Gaza breached the Genocide Convention. Israel has denied the accusations.

Several nations, including Bolivia and Chile, have already joined South Africa’s case. Ireland’s intervention reflects a growing international effort to hold Israel accountable for its military actions in Gaza. (ILKHA)