**The Hague, Netherlands** – Belgium has formally joined South Africa's landmark genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a significant development that amplifies international scrutiny of Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip. The move, announced on Tuesday, marks Belgium's official participation in proceedings initiated by South Africa in December 2023, which alleges a violation of the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
South Africa’s initial submission to the ICJ, the UN’s principal judicial organ, contends that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide. While the court has not yet ruled on the core accusation, it issued legally binding provisional measures in January 2024. These orders mandated that Israel take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid into the besieged territory. The ICJ also affirmed Israel's presence in occupied Palestinian territory as unlawful and characterised its policies as amounting to annexation. Belgium's declaration of intervention signifies its alignment with these concerns and its commitment to engaging with the legal process.
The intervention by Belgium, a nation with a history of strong support for international law and human rights, is a notable escalation in the legal battle. It follows similar expressions of support or participation from other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, and Turkiye, who have either filed declarations of intervention or indicated their intent to do so. These interventions allow states to submit written statements on the interpretation of the Genocide Convention relevant to the case, thereby enriching the legal arguments presented to the court.
The ICJ's provisional measures, while not a final judgment on the genocide allegations, carry significant legal weight. However, the court's capacity to enforce its rulings is inherently limited, lacking a direct enforcement mechanism akin to a global police force. This reality has been underscored by Israel's continued military activities in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, which have persisted despite the ICJ's orders and widespread international condemnation. Reports indicate that Israel is proceeding with plans to annex significant portions of Palestinian territory, a move that would further complicate the already fraught geopolitical landscape.
The ultimate resolution of South Africa's case is expected to be a protracted affair, with a final ruling potentially taking years to materialise. Nevertheless, Belgium's intervention injects further momentum into the international legal challenge. It signals a growing consensus among a segment of the international community regarding the gravity of the situation in Gaza and the imperative to hold states accountable under international law, particularly concerning the most egregious crimes. The ICJ’s proceedings, now bolstered by Belgium's formal involvement, continue to serve as a crucial, albeit slow-moving, forum for addressing allegations of mass atrocities on the global stage.