The Peace Palace houses the International Court of Justice, or World Court, in the Hague (Patrick Post/AP)
Government approval has been given for Ireland to intervene in South Africa’s ongoing International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel under the Genocide Convention.
The case was taken by South Africa last December over alleged breaches of the Genocide Convention carried out by Israel during the war in Gaza.
Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin entered today’s Cabinet meeting seeking approval for Ireland to intervene in two cases currently before the ICJ.
The Government has also approved intervention in The Gambia’s case taken against Myanmar in 2019 under the same Convention. Myanmar is accused of genocide over operations by its armed forces against the Rohingya people.
“By legally intervening in South Africa’s case, Ireland will be asking the ICJ to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes the commission of genocide by a State,” Mr Martin said following today’s Cabinet meeting.
“We are concerned that a very narrow interpretation of what constitutes genocide leads to a culture of impunity in which the protection of civilians is minimised.
Today’s News in 90 seconds – 11th December 2024
“Ireland’s view of the Convention is broader and prioritises the protection of civilian life – as a committed supporter of the Convention, the Government will promote that interpretation in its intervention in this case.
“Intervening in both cases demonstrates the consistency of Ireland’s approach to the interpretation and application of the Genocide Convention.”
Approximately 44,800 have died in Gaza since Israel’s invasion of the besieged enclave in October 2023. The invasion followed Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and a further 250 were taken hostage by the militant group.
Much of Gaza has been levelled by the bombing in the past 14 months and more than two million people face precarious conditions such as access to food, water, medicines and shelter on a daily basis, while the bombing continues.