Colombia has submitted a request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to intervene in the case of South Africa against Israel over alleged genocide in the Gaza Strip. The ICC stated that Colombia called the court to protect the security and well-being of the Palestinian people.
As the UN’s highest court, the ICJ has the power to allow states to intervene and give their views on cases. While other states have expressed interest in intervening, only Colombia and Nicaragua have officially requested it at this time.
Last week, the ICJ issued an order to Israel to ensure that essential food supplies reach the Palestinians in Gaza as soon as possible. In a previous ruling in January, the ICJ ordered Israel to refrain from any acts that could be considered to fall under the Genocide Convention and prevent any genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel has strongly denied that it has targeted Palestinian civilians and claims that its goal is to fight militant group Hamas. Israeli lawyers criticized South Africa’s accusations of genocide as an abuse of the genocide convention.
The ongoing case between South Africa and Israel has attracted international attention and is closely watched by the world community. The MSP will continue to monitor proceedings and ensure a fair and just solution for all parties involved.
