Ireland to back South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel, says foreign minister

Ireland is set to support South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with Foreign Minister Micheál Martin confirming Ireland’s formal intervention by the end of this year.

This decision follows Ireland’s recent acknowledgment of “genocide” allegedly committed by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza, echoing concerns about the ongoing conflict and the toll on civilian lives.

Irish lawmakers recently passed a motion condemning Israel's actions in Gaza, characterizing them as “genocide,” with the Dáil, Ireland's lower legislative house, planning to join South Africa's case at the ICJ. According to Martin, this move comes in response to intensifying violence after Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israel, which has since drawn widespread international scrutiny of Israel's response.

South Africa initially took its grievance to the ICJ in December 2023, accusing Israel of genocidal actions in Gaza. Last month, South Africa submitted its Memorial to the ICJ, asserting that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, alleging an intent to “destroy Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”

Ireland, having long indicated its intention to support South Africa’s case, also joined Spain, Malta, and Slovenia in March in steps toward recognizing Palestinian statehood in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Minister Martin emphasized Ireland’s concern over conduct by both Israel and Hamas, insisting both parties should adhere to international humanitarian law. “The government has been extremely concerned at the conduct of both parties to this conflict and has consistently stressed that both must respect international law,” Martin stated, adding, “The government has insisted that both Israel and Hamas be held accountable for violations committed.”

Martin affirmed that Ireland’s approach in this case will mirror its previous intervention in Ukraine’s case against Russia, emphasizing Ireland’s commitment to upholding international legal standards in conflict situations.