Ireland officially joins South Africa's genocide case against Israel

Palestinians carry white sacks containing the bodies of people killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes on the Khan Younis refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on Saturday. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said the intent and impact of military actions of Israel in Gaza has resulted in "a collective punishment" of the Palestinian people, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions displaced. Photo: AP/Abdel Kareem Hana

Ireland has officially joined South Africa's case alleging genocide by Israel, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has confirmed.

Ireland filed its declaration of intervention in the case which relates to Israel's ongoing bombardment of Gaza on Monday. By intervening in proceedings, Ireland does not join one side or the other in the case, but rather is "limited to submitting observations on the construction of the convention in question".

The document states that Ireland wishes to see the consistent interpretation and application of the Genocide Convention. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said there was concern that "a very narrow interpretation of what constitutes genocide" could lead to a culture of impunity where the protection of civilians in minimised.

Speaking last month when the Government secured approval to intervene in the case, Mr Martin said: “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."

Mr Martin said the intent and impact of military actions of Israel in Gaza has resulted in "a collective punishment" of the Palestinian people, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions displaced.

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The declaration reiterates Ireland's condemnation of the "heinous terror attack" perpetrated by Hamas against Israel on October 7 saying it constitutes serious violations of international humanitarian law and calls for those involved to be held accountable and all hostages to be released.

In submitting its intervention, Ireland joins Palestine, Spain, Mexico, Chile, Turkey, Nicaragua, Colombia, Libya, Bolivia, and the Maldives. Both South Africa and Israel have the opportunity to submit written observations on Ireland's declaration of intervention.

Sinn Féin has welcomed the "important step" of filing a declaration to the ICJ saying that action must be taken to stop Israel. "The ICJ has already determined that Israel has a plausible case to answer in respect of the charge of genocide," said Matt Carthy, the party's spokesperson on foreign affairs.

People all over the globe struggle to find a term other than genocide to describe Israeli barbarity in Gaza.

Mr Carthy said Ireland should seek a full oral hearing before the ICJ to outline how Israel's actions constitute genocide.

Dr Hussam Abu Safiya

Meanwhile, Fórsa has written to the Tánaiste asking for action to be taken to secure the release of Palestinian doctor Dr Hussam Abu Safiya. Dr Abu Safiya was arrested and detained by Israeli forces last week.

Writing to Mr Martin on Wednesday, Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said the union's national executive is seeking intervention of the Department of Foreign Affairs at EU level.

Mr Callinan urged Mr Martin to raise Dr Abu Safiya's case with the EU in the hope it may help to advance the release of the doctor as well as other detained health workers.