Belgium has formally filed a declaration of intervention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the genocide case instituted by South Africa against Israel over alleged violations of the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip.
The ICJ confirmed on Tuesday that Belgium lodged its declaration on December 23, invoking Article 63 of the Court’s Statute, which allows states that are parties to a convention under interpretation to intervene in related proceedings.
According to the court, Belgium’s intervention centres on Articles I to VI of the Genocide Convention, with particular emphasis on Article II. Belgium said its interest lies in clarifying the interpretation of “specific intent,” a key legal element required to establish genocidal intent under the convention.
Following the filing, the ICJ invited both South Africa and Israel to submit written observations on Belgium’s request to intervene, in accordance with Article 83 of the Rules of Court.
South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel on December 29, 2023, accusing it of breaching its obligations under the Genocide Convention through its military actions against Palestinians in Gaza. Since the case was filed, the court has issued several provisional measures directing Israel to take steps to prevent acts that could amount to genocide.
The International Court of Justice, based in The Hague, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and is responsible for settling legal disputes between states.
