Ireland – Irish Foreign Minister Michael Martin said that his country intends to join the genocide lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel before the International Court of Justice.
This came in a speech delivered by Martin during a session held in the lower chamber of the Irish Parliament on Thursday.
Martin explained that the decision to participate was made after a careful legal analysis, and said: “This decision will be announced by the end of the year.”
He stated in his speech at the session that the situation in Gaza “remains a cause for concern.”
Martin pointed out that the death toll in Gaza exceeded 43,000, and said, “The Israeli war in Gaza goes beyond any moral compass.” We are witnessing collective punishment of the entire population and the complete destruction of Gaza.”
At the session, the Irish Parliament approved a non-binding proposal stating that “genocide is being committed before our eyes by Israel in Gaza.”
The non-binding proposal calls on the Irish government to halt all trade in military equipment with Israel, and to prevent the sale of secondary-use items.
It also proposes closing Irish airports and airspace to aircraft carrying weapons bound for Israel, and imposing travel, trade and diplomatic sanctions on Israel.
At the end of 2023, South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel before the International Court of Justice, which is based in The Hague, on the grounds that it violated the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention of Genocide.
Several countries, including Türkiye, Nicaragua, Palestine, Spain, Mexico, Libya and Colombia, joined the cause.
With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, leaving more than 146,000 Palestinians dead and wounded, most of them children and women, and more than 10,000 missing, amid massive destruction and famine that killed dozens of children and the elderly, in one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world.
Israel continues its massacres, ignoring the UN Security Council resolution to end them immediately, and the orders of the International Court of Justice to take measures to prevent acts of genocide and improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Anatolia
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**Interview with Michael Martin, Irish Foreign Minister**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Martin. There has been significant news regarding Ireland’s decision to intervene in the case brought against Israel by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. Can you elaborate on why Ireland decided to take this step?
**Michael Martin**: Thank you for having me. Our decision to join South Africa’s case against Israel stems from a thorough legal analysis and a profound commitment to human rights. The situation in Gaza has been a cause for concern, and we feel that it is essential for Ireland to stand alongside our international partners to address these grave issues.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned this decision will be formally announced by the end of the year. What are the next steps for Ireland in this process?
**Michael Martin**: After conducting our legal assessments and consultations, we will finalize our formal declaration of intervention. This will include outlining our position clearly and stating the grounds upon which we believe intervention is warranted. It is crucial that we approach this with both legal rigor and a strong moral compass.
**Interviewer**: How do you respond to critics who may argue that this intervention could strain Ireland’s relations with Israel or further complicate the situation in the Middle East?
**Michael Martin**: We are conscious of the sensitivities surrounding this issue. However, our commitment to international law and human rights will always guide our actions. We hope that our participation will contribute to a dialogue aimed at resolving this ongoing conflict rather than escalating tensions. Our intent is to stand up for justice and accountability.
**Interviewer**: what message do you hope Ireland’s involvement sends to the people affected by the conflict, particularly those in Gaza?
**Michael Martin**: I hope it sends a clear message that Ireland stands in solidarity with those who suffer from violence and injustice. We are committed to advocating for the rights of all individuals caught in conflict and to seeking accountability for actions that violate human rights. We believe that every life holds value and that we must work tirelessly toward lasting peace in the region.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Minister Martin, for sharing your insights and the plans moving forward.
**Michael Martin**: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure to discuss this important matter with you.