Colombia has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to allow the country to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip. In its application to the court, Colombia emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and existence of the Palestinian people. The country is deploying efforts to fight against genocide and protect vulnerable populations in Gaza, such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
The ICJ, as the highest United Nations court, may allow states to intervene in cases and provide their views. While several states, including Ireland, have expressed their intention to intervene in the case, Colombia and Nicaragua have so far been the only countries to file a public request. Colombia’s decision to actively intervene in support of South Africa’s case is seen as a way to offer tangible support to the Palestinian cause and send a message to Israel regarding its actions in Gaza.
President Gustavo Petro of Colombia has been vocal in denouncing Israel’s actions in Gaza since the start of the conflict. ICJ judges previously ordered Israel to take necessary action to ensure basic food supplies reach Palestinians in Gaza without delay and to refrain from acts that could be considered genocidal under the Genocide Convention. Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in significant death and destruction, with thousands killed and many more displaced. Aid organizations have warned of a potential famine in the region.
South Africa initiated the case accusing Israel of state-led genocide in Gaza, with lawyers for Israel dismissing it as an abuse of the Genocide Convention. Despite Israel’s denial of targeting Palestinian civilians and claiming to solely target Hamas, the ongoing conflict has raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The call for urgent protection of Palestinians in Gaza, particularly vulnerable populations, has become a priority for countries like Colombia that are seeking to support the Palestinian cause and intervene in the legal proceedings at the ICJ.
The ICJ’s involvement in the case provides a platform for countries like Colombia to express their concerns over the situation in Gaza and advocate for the protection of the Palestinian people. By joining South Africa’s case, Colombia aims to show solidarity with the Palestinian cause and hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. The international community’s response to the conflict in Gaza, including legal interventions at the ICJ, highlights the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and ensuring the safety and well-being of the Palestinian population.
