
In a significant move, Belize has filed to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The court confirmed on Friday that Belize submitted a declaration on January 30, 2025, seeking permission to intervene in the ongoing case. This document, lodged under Articles 62 and 63 of the ICJ Statute, outlines Belize’s commitment to support the application related to the Gaza Strip.
South Africa first initiated the case in December 2023, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention through its actions in Gaza. The case has garnered wide international backing, with countries such as Türkiye, Nicaragua, Colombia, Cuba, Libya, Mexico, Palestine, and Spain joining the legal battle.
Since the outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October 2023, more than 47,400 Palestinians have lost their lives, the majority being women and children. Over 111,000 others have been injured, and thousands remain missing.
The onslaught has caused unprecedented destruction in Gaza, triggering a massive humanitarian crisis. The destruction has left entire neighborhoods in ruins, exacerbating the suffering of the elderly and children, who are disproportionately affected.
In response to the growing global outcry, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024. The warrants cite charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the ongoing violence in Gaza.
As Belize joins the case, it adds its voice to the mounting calls for justice and accountability in one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises.