Ireland joins South Africa's case at ICJ against Israel

The formal filing will take place at the ICJ in The Hague later this month, Martin clarified.

“There has been a collective punishment of the Palestinian people through the intent and impact of military actions of Israel in Gaza, leaving 44,000 dead and millions of civilians displaced,” said Martin following a cabinet meeting.

He added that Ireland’s intervention seeks to broaden the ICJ’s interpretation of genocide, highlighting concerns that a narrow understanding of the Convention fosters impunity and undermines civilian protections.

“Ireland’s view of the Convention is broader and prioritizes the protection of civilian life,” said Martin, emphasizing Ireland’s commitment to advancing its interpretation through the intervention.

South Africa in December brought a case before the ICJ, arguing that the war in Gaza breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, an accusation Israel has denied.

Several nations, including Bolivia and Chile, have joined South Africa’s case against Israel.