The nation of Ireland has announced it would get involved in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, gesturing their concerns for the war in Gaza. After South Africa made the accusation against Israel, the ICJ ordered Israel to follow the laws of the Geneva Convention. Although this statement was put in order, Israel has still continued to commit grave acts that breach international law. The ICJ is expected to take years to reach a final ruling, justifying Israel and its Western allies claims of illegitimate accusations of genocide.
In a statement to Al Jazeera, Ireland’s foreign minister Michael Martin lists “the taking of hostages. The purposeful withholding of humanitarian assistance to civilians. The targeting of civilians and of civilian infrastructure. The indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The use of civilian objects for military purposes. The collective punishment of an entire population” as blunt evidence of Israel’s violation of international law. In contrast, Al Jazeera reports Prime Minister Netanyahu’s rejection of South Africa’s charge with his claim that the Israeli army has been “acting as morally as possible.” These sharp contrasts reiterate the difficulty of the case against Israel.
Ireland’s intervention is essential in holding Israel accountable for their actions. Whether they intervene diplomatically through legal action, or add provisions to the Genocide Convention, their involvement bridges nations’ humanitarian values together– enforcing the importance of humanitarian international law. Shared values among European, Latin American and African nations are incredibly important in withholding national order. By taking action and charging a powerful nation with powerful allies, these countries are attempting to administer the laws of the Geneva Convention. It is crucial to alleviate the number of grave acts committed against Palestinian citizens.
Since Hamas’ first and only attack on October 7, 2023, nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed. These attempts to dismantle the terrorist group Hamas have resulted in more civilian deaths throughout Gaza and the West Bank. While ceasefires have been debated, no mitigation of these attacks have occurred. Israel continues to violate international law, and seems to adhere to minimal consequences.
Humanitarian international law is what binds our society together, stating what is morally correct and what is inhumane. The acts Israel has committed against the citizens of Palestine are inhumane. South Africa’s case against Israel has the potential to hold Israel to their actions, and reiterate the importance of the Geneva Convention. As more countries join with South Africa, Israel can be convinced to limit their attacks, or better yet cease fire entirely. Ireland’s intervention holds great promise for speeding along ICJ’s ruling, and potentially charging Israel with genocide. This charge can legitimize the laws of the Geneva Convention, and can put an end to the inhumane acts against the citizens of Palestine.
