Ireland confirms that it will intervene before the ICJ in the case against Israel for genocide in the Gaza Strip

MADRID Dec. 12 () –

The Government of Ireland has confirmed that it will intervene in two cases before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), including the case brought by South Africa against Israel over the risk of genocide in the Gaza Strip, where more than 44,800 deaths have been recorded by the incessant bombings since October 2023.

Although the Government had already expressed its intention to join the case, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Micheál Martin, has received formal approval during a cabinet meeting: “There has been collective punishment against the Palestinian people through the intent and impact of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, leaving 44,000 dead and millions of civilians displaced,” he declared.

Martin explained that, by intervening legally, Ireland will ask the ICJ to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes the commission of genocide, as it is “concerned that a very narrow interpretation of what constitutes genocide will lead to a culture of impunity in the that the protection of civilians is minimized”.

Following the decision, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry has “welcomed” Ireland’s statement of intervention, considering that this decision “exemplifies Ireland’s firm commitment to justice and the rule of international law, and underlines the deep solidarity and historical friendship between both countries”.

Thus, the diplomatic portfolio has called on all States parties to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide to participate “actively” in the ICJ procedures.

“Ending the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people and combating Israel’s impunity are responsibilities that we must assume together in the interest of humanity and the law,” reads a statement published on his profile on the social network X.

Israel is firmly opposed to the case, which has been criticized by the United States, the United Kingdom and several countries in the European Union, although other members of the 27, including Spain, have supported the case.