Ireland has announced its intention to intervene in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, signaling Dublin’s deep concern about Israeli operations in Gaza since October 7.
Foreign Minister Micheal Martin stated that while the determination of whether genocide is being committed falls under the jurisdiction of the World Court, Ireland wants to emphasize that Hamas’ attack on October 7 and the current situation in Gaza represent blatant violations of international humanitarian law on a massive scale.
Martin highlighted various violations, including the taking of hostages, withholding humanitarian assistance, targeting civilians and infrastructure, and the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in populated areas. He emphasized that such actions must cease, as the international community has had enough.
In January, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to refrain from acts that could be considered under the Genocide Convention and to ensure its troops do not commit genocidal acts against Palestinians. Israel and its Western allies rejected the allegation, labeling it baseless. The final ruling in South Africa’s ICJ case in The Hague could take years.
Martin did not specify the form of Ireland’s intervention or outline the arguments it plans to advance. However, he stated that the decision was made following legal and policy analysis and consultations with partners, including South Africa.
The intervention does not take a specific side in the dispute but provides Ireland with an opportunity to present its interpretation of the provisions of the Genocide Convention relevant to the case.
