Ireland Preparing To Intervene In South Africa’s International Court Of Justice Case Against Israel Under The 1948 Genocide Convention

Earlier this week, the Tánaiste called Israel’s announcement that it would block all UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) aid to the north of Gaza completely unacceptable.

Ireland is preparing to intervene in South Africa’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin will tell cabinet that he has told his officials to prepare a draft Declaration of Intervention in the case, following an initial legal analysis.

Third parties do not join the case on one side or another and do not offer evidence, but argue for an interpretation of one or more of the provisions of the Genocide Convention.

When the declaration is completed, Mr Martin will submit it for consideration by the Government and, if approved, will arrange to have it filed with the ICJ in The Hague.

Last December South Africa instituted proceedings at the ICJ claiming Israel had violated obligations under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide during military operations following October 7. South Africa also asked the Court to order Provisional Measures including an immediate suspension of military operations in Gaza.