Ireland to Join South Africa’s Legal Case Against Israel at International Court of Justice
Ireland has announced plans to join South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as the European nation becomes the latest in a growing list of countries calling for international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin confirmed the decision on Thursday, shortly after the Irish parliament passed a symbolic motion asserting that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza amounts to “genocide.”
This move aligns Ireland with South Africa, which filed a formal case at the ICJ in December 2023. South Africa claims Israel has violated the United Nations Genocide Convention, an allegation Israel has strongly refuted. The case seeks to hold Israel accountable under international law, accusing it of committing acts that constitute genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Multiple countries, including Turkey, Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, and Libya, have expressed support for South Africa’s case.
Martin emphasized that Ireland’s decision to intervene was based on comprehensive legal analysis. “Ireland is a strong supporter of the work of the court and is deeply committed to international law and accountability,” he stated. Ireland previously indicated it would make a submission after South Africa filed its detailed documentation, which reportedly includes more than 750 pages of text and 4,000 pages of supporting exhibits.
South Africa’s submission, described as a “memorial,” was filed with the ICJ earlier this week. Although the document remains confidential, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office reported that it presents “evidence” of what it alleges to be genocidal acts committed by Israel. The ICJ has acknowledged receipt of South Africa’s submission but has declined to provide additional details on the case.
Ireland has recently been among the most vocal critics of Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that triggered renewed conflict. Lawmakers from Irish opposition parties advanced a non-binding motion in parliament condemning Israel’s actions as genocide, a motion that went unopposed by government parties during a lightly attended session.
On Tuesday, Ireland deepened its diplomatic stance by appointing its first full Palestinian ambassador, following its formal recognition of the Palestinian state earlier this year. Palestinian Ambassador Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid criticized Israel’s suspension of ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). She told The Irish Times that she believes Israel should face suspension from the UN for disregarding its responsibilities as a member. “If you are a member of the UN and you do not abide by the rules of this organization, then what is the meaning of being a member?” Abdalmajid stated.
This diplomatic shift by Ireland could intensify international pressure on Israel amid the escalating Gaza conflict and adds momentum to South Africa’s case at the ICJ. As more nations engage in the proceedings, the international community will be watching closely to see if the ICJ will take on the case and, if so, how it will proceed with assessing the claims.
