Belgium fully supports the decision of the International Court of Justice to halt attacks on Gaza in the case brought by South Africa, accusing Israel of genocide.
Minister of Development Cooperation and Urban Policy Caroline Gennez confirms full support for UN court in South African genocide case against Israel:
Belgium reaffirms full support for the International Court Of Justice in this case. If the International Court of Justice calls on Israel to cease its military campaign in Gaza, our country will fully support it.
On 29 December, South Africa filed a lawsuit with the UN International Court of Justice asking for an injunction against Israel on the grounds that Israel’s attacks on Gaza violate the Genocide Convention.
South Africa is requesting nine interim injunctions from the ICJ, including ordering Israel to immediately cease military action in Gaza, take reasonable measures to prevent the genocide of Palestinians, ensure the return of displaced persons to their homes and access to humanitarian aid, take the necessary measures to punish those involved in genocide, and preserve evidence of genocide.
Simultaneously, Germany, neighbouring Belgium, became the first country to legally defend Israel at the International Court of Justice as a third party.
In addition, due to the urgency of the situation, the court asked the ICJ to issue an injunction. Following the conclusion of the hearing on 11-12 January, the Court proceeded to deliberate after examining the parties’ submissions and evidence.
