Belgium Joins South Africa’s ICJ Genocide Case Against Israel

Belgium has formally joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (image source)

THE HAGUE — Belgium has formally joined the case instituted by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that Israel is committing acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip.

The ICJ, the United Nations’ highest judicial body, confirmed on Tuesday that Belgium had filed a declaration of intervention in the proceedings. Belgium becomes the latest country to support South Africa’s case, following similar interventions by Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain and Türkiye.

South Africa launched the case in December 2023, arguing that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza violates the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Israel has strongly rejected the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated and without legal merit.

In January 2024, the ICJ issued provisional measures ordering Israel to take steps to prevent acts prohibited under the Genocide Convention and to ensure the delivery of unimpeded humanitarian assistance into Gaza. While ICJ rulings are legally binding, the court has no direct enforcement powers, with compliance largely dependent on diplomatic and international pressure.

The court has also ruled separately that Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful, characterising its policies as amounting to annexation. Despite these findings and growing international criticism, Israel has continued its military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, alongside plans to expand control over large parts of Palestinian territory.

The United States and several European allies continue to provide military and financial support to Israel. Washington has rejected South Africa’s case, with some US lawmakers openly criticising Pretoria and issuing threats against it. The US has also imposed sanctions on officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant.

Belgium’s intervention follows its formal recognition of the State of Palestine in September, aligning it with nearly 80 percent of UN member states that recognise Palestinian statehood. Analysts say the move highlights deepening divisions within Europe over Israel’s conduct in the war and reflects growing support for international accountability mechanisms.

The humanitarian toll in Gaza remains severe. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 406 Palestinians have been killed and 1,118 injured since the ceasefire began on October 10. Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, the ministry reports at least 70,942 Palestinians killed and 171,195 wounded.

Legal experts caution that a final ruling by the ICJ could take years. However, they note that the increasing number of states joining South Africa’s case adds significant weight to international calls for accountability. For Palestinians, Belgium’s intervention is widely seen as another step toward recognition and justice in a conflict that has endured for decades.