Brazil to join South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel
Brazil is preparing to formally support South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, according to a statement released by its foreign ministry. The move marks a significant shift in Brazil’s legal and diplomatic stance on the Gaza conflict, as reported by Al-Monitor on July 23rd.
South Africa launched the case in 2023, alleging Israel breached its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The claim argues Israel’s military campaign against Hamas extends beyond combat operations and deliberately targets civilians, with repeated strikes on schools, hospitals, refugee camps, and shelters.
Spain, Turkey, and Colombia have also taken steps to join the proceedings.
In its statement, Brazil accused Israel of violating international law, including “the annexation of territories by force,” and expressed “deep indignation” over the violence suffered by Palestinian civilians.
Israel maintains it does not target civilians and insists its campaign aims solely to eliminate Hamas. Israeli legal representatives have labelled the case an abuse of the Genocide Convention. The Israeli embassy in Brasilia declined to comment.
In response to Brazil’s move, the country’s National Israeli association, CONIB, issued a statement condemning the decision. “The breaking of Brazil’s long-standing friendship and partnership with Israel is a misguided move that proves the extremism of our foreign policy,” it said.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has consistently criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza. This latest decision comes amid rising diplomatic friction with the United States, Israel’s key ally. The Trump administration recently imposed 50% tariffs on all Brazilian exports.
A diplomat close to Lula’s administration told Reuters that officials do not expect this decision to affect Brazil’s ties with Washington.
The US has opposed South Africa’s case under both Trump and President Joe Biden. Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order cutting financial assistance to South Africa, citing the ICJ case.
Al-Monitor, Maghrebi.org
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