The United States has intervened in a major legal case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), defending Israel against allegations that its military campaign in Gaza violated the Genocide Convention.
Washington submitted a formal “declaration of intervention” in the case brought by South Africa, strongly rejecting claims that Israel committed genocide during the conflict.
In its filing, the US said the allegations were false and described the case as part of a broader pattern of accusations against Israel that it said have been made for decades.
South Africa launched the case in December 2023, arguing that Israel’s military actions in Gaza breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. Israel has firmly denied the accusation.
More than a dozen countries have since sought to join the proceedings, with several expected to support South Africa’s arguments. The case is being heard at the ICJ, located in the Peace Palace in The Hague, and the legal process could take years to conclude.
ICJ judges have already issued provisional measures, ordering Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide and allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza.
In another ruling, the court said Israel must ensure Palestinians have access to essential necessities for survival. While ICJ decisions are legally binding, the court does not have direct enforcement powers.
Meanwhile, fighting in Gaza has eased since a ceasefire brokered by the United States between Israel and Hamas in October, although occasional violence continues.
Source: TRT Afrika
