Ireland to Join South Africa's Genocide Case Against Israel at ICJ

Ireland plans to join South Africa in its legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with action expected by the end of the year, according to Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin.

The move follows Ireland's recent adoption of a non-binding parliamentary resolution declaring that "genocide is being committed by Israel in Gaza."

Addressing parliament, Martin noted that the government’s decision to intervene in South Africa’s case was based on a "thorough and detailed legal analysis."

He reiterated Ireland’s commitment to supporting the ICJ, underscoring the country’s strong dedication to international law and accountability.

The parliamentary resolution, accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians, was introduced by opposition members and passed without objection from Ireland’s ruling coalition.

Ireland also recently appointed its first-ever full-status Palestinian ambassador, following an earlier formal recognition of Palestine as a state.

South Africa initiated the case against Israel in December, claiming that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate the United Nations' 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Several other nations, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile, and Libya, have since joined South Africa in the lawsuit.

Earlier this week, South Africa submitted a comprehensive 750-page dossier to the ICJ containing evidence it claims supports the case for genocide, along with over 4,000 pages of supplementary data and documents. The ICJ, headquartered in The Hague, confirmed receipt of the submission but has not disclosed further details.