The United States has intervened in a major legal case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), supporting Israel against accusations that its military campaign in Gaza violated the Genocide Convention.
Washington filed a formal “declaration of intervention” in the case brought by South Africa, strongly rejecting claims that Israel committed genocide during the conflict.
In its submission, the US said the allegations were false and part of what it described as a long-standing pattern of accusations made against Israel.
South Africa filed the case in December 2023, arguing that Israel’s actions in Gaza breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. Israel has firmly denied the allegation.
More than a dozen countries have since applied to join the proceedings, many 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 several years to conclude.
ICJ judges have already issued provisional measures, ordering Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
In a separate ruling, the court also said Israel must ensure Palestinians have access to basic necessities for survival. Although ICJ decisions are legally binding, the court has no direct enforcement mechanism.
Fighting in Gaza has eased since a ceasefire brokered by the United States between Israel and Hamas in October, although sporadic violence continues.
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