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Belgium Intervenes in South Africa’s ICJ Genocide Case Against Israel

Belgium says the step lets it present its reading of the Genocide Convention to the UN court.

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Lawyers and judges sit in the courtroom of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on 22 October 2025, as they gather with the court for the first day of hearings to issue an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations to provide assistance in the occupied Palestinian territories. Picture: Koen van Weel / ANP / AFP
Belgium joins South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at ICJ

Overview

  • THE HAGUE confirmed Belgium filed a declaration of intervention on December 23 to participate in the case under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute.
  • The court invited South Africa and Israel to submit written observations responding to Belgium’s filing.
  • Brussels says it aims to clarify legal questions such as how genocidal intent is assessed and the role of international humanitarian law, without fully endorsing either side.
  • Belgium joins a growing list of intervening states, including Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain and Turkey, in proceedings launched by South Africa in December 2023.
  • The ICJ has issued legally binding provisional measures directing Israel to prevent acts of genocide and facilitate aid, Israel rejects the allegations, and a final merits ruling is expected to take years.