Ireland to ask ICJ to expand genocide definition in South Africa case against Israel

Ireland's Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Martin received government approval for Ireland to intervene in South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) under the Genocide Convention, Ireland's Foreign Affairs Department announced on Wednesday. 

"By legally intervening in South Africa’s case, Ireland will be asking the ICJ to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes the commission of genocide by a State," the department said in a statement. 

"We are concerned that a very narrow interpretation of what constitutes genocide leads to a culture of impunity in which the protection of civilians is minimized."

"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," the statement read, citing an unconfirmed death toll provided by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry. 

"Ireland’s view of the convention is broader and prioritizes the protection of civilian life," the statement continued, "Intervening in both cases demonstrates the consistency of Ireland’s approach to the interpretation and application of the Genocide Convention.”

Approval for additional intervention

The government also approved intervention in the Gambia’s case against Myanmar under the same convention.

Ireland previously signaled that it would intervene in the ongoing case, with Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin saying in March that it was for the ICJ to decide whether genocide is being committed. 

In January, the ICJ ordered Israel to refrain from any acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention.