Ireland to ask ICJ to broaden interpretation of genocide in Israel case
To Meals March Last Line Palestinians Strip Jabaliya In Camp Refugee Picture: File Essa, The Up Gaza Ap Free File At Photo/mahmoud Receive
Ireland will be allowed intervene in South Africa's International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel under the Genocide Convention after the Government gave approval for the move on Wednesday morning.
Filing of the intervention will take place at the UN's top court in The Hague later this month.
Ireland will be asking the ICJ to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes genocide.
The Government has also approved intervention in The Gambia’s case against Myanmar under the same convention.
The news comes in the wake of Wednesday morning's Cabinet meeting.
Speaking after that meeting, Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin said that there was "concern" over the interpretation of what constituted genocide.
He said: "There has been a collective punishment of the Palestinian people through the intent and impact of military actions of Israel in Gaza, leaving 44,000 dead and millions of civilians displaced.
“We are concerned that a very narrow interpretation of what constitutes genocide leads to a culture of impunity in which the protection of civilians is minimised.
“Ireland’s view of the Convention is broader and prioritises the protection of civilian life – as a committed supporter of the Convention, the Government will promote that interpretation in its intervention in this case.
“Intervening in both cases demonstrates the consistency of Ireland’s approach to the interpretation and application of the Genocide Convention.”
Separately, Ireland is to join the powerful G20 group after being invited by South Africa.
The Government hopes to accept the invitation to participate as a guest country during South Africa’s G20 presidency, which runs from December 2024 to November 2025.