Belgium Files Declaration to Join ICJ Genocide Case Against Israel as South Africa Leads Legal Action Over Gaza War Belgium has formally filed a declaration of intervention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to join the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel over alleged violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention in Gaza. The ICJ confirmed Belgium’s move on December 23, 2025, noting that the intervention was made under Article 63 of the Court’s Statute, which allows non-party states to participate in cases involving the interpretation of international treaties to which they are signatories. As a party to the Genocide Convention, Belgium said its intervention focuses on the interpretation of Articles I to VI, particularly Article II, which defines the intent required to establish genocide. Any legal interpretation adopted by the Court will be binding on Belgium and other intervening states. South Africa and Israel have been invited to submit written observations on Belgium’s declaration in line with ICJ procedural rules. The case, originally filed by South Africa in December 2023, accuses Israel of breaching its obligations under the Genocide Convention in relation to military operations in the Gaza Strip. The ICJ has already issued provisional measures in January, March, and May 2024. Belgium joins a growing list of countries—including Ireland, Spain, Brazil, Türkiye, and Colombia—that have intervened or sought to intervene, underscoring increasing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the expanding global legal response to the conflict. #ICJ #GazaConflict #InternationalLaw