Belgium joins South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at ICJ

Other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain and Turkiye, person already joined the lawsuit successful The Hague.

Belgium has formally joined the lawsuit launched by South Africa astatine the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging Israel is committing genocide successful the Gaza Strip.

In a connection connected Tuesday, the ICJ – The Hague-based highest tribunal of the United Nations – said Belgium had filed a declaration of involution successful the case.

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Other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain and Turkiye, person already joined the proceedings.

South Africa brought the lawsuit successful December 2023, arguing that Israel’s warfare successful Gaza violates the 1948 UN Convention connected the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Israel has rejected the allegations and criticised the case.

While a last ruling could instrumentality years, the ICJ issued provisional measures successful January 2024 ordering Israel to instrumentality steps to forestall acts of genocide successful Gaza and to let unimpeded entree for humanitarian aid.

The court’s orders are legally binding though it has nary nonstop mechanics to enforce them.

The ICJ besides said Israel’s beingness successful occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and its policies magnitude to annexation.

Israel has continued its assaults successful Gaza and the occupied West Bank contempt the rulings and increasing planetary disapproval portion advancing plans to prehend ample parts of Palestinian territory.

Meanwhile, the United States and respective of its European allies proceed to supply subject and fiscal enactment to Israel.

Washington has rejected the merits of South Africa’s case, and US lawmakers person criticised the state and issued threats against it.

The US has besides imposed sanctions connected members of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued apprehension warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and erstwhile Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

Belgium was besides among a radical of countries that recognised the State of Palestine successful September. Nearly 80 percent of UN subordinate states present recognise Palestine.

Since a ceasefire began connected October 10, the Palestinian Ministry of Health successful Gaza said, Israel has killed astatine slightest 406 Palestinians and injured 1,118 successful the enclave. Since the commencement of the warfare connected October 7, 2023, the ministry said, astatine slightest 70,942 Palestinians person been killed and 171,195 wounded.