US Defends Israel in Genocide Case at UN’s Top Court

The United States has formally intervened at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to defend Israel against accusations that its military campaign in Gaza violated the Genocide Convention.

Washington submitted a “declaration of intervention” in the case brought by South Africa, strongly rejecting the allegations. In its filing, the US said the accusations of genocide against Israel were false and described the case as part of a broader pattern of what it called unfounded claims.

South Africa filed the case in December 2023, arguing that Israel’s actions during the Gaza war violated the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. Israel has firmly denied the accusation.

Several other countries have since applied to join the proceedings at the court, which sits in the Peace Palace in The Hague. Many of them are expected to present arguments supporting South Africa’s position.

The ICJ has already issued provisional measures in the case, ordering Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza and to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians.

In another ruling, the court said Israel must ensure Palestinians have access to basic necessities for survival. Although ICJ decisions are legally binding, the court does not have direct enforcement powers.

The legal proceedings are expected to take years to conclude, even as violence in Gaza has decreased since a ceasefire brokered by the United States between Israel and Hamas in October, though occasional clashes continue.

Source: Newstimehub