Belgium has formally joined the case filed by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, alleging that Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. This development adds to the growing international support for South Africa’s legal action, with several countries already intervening in the proceedings.

Countries Supporting the ICJ Case

Prior to Belgium’s involvement, countries including Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, and Turkiye had joined South Africa in the case, signaling a strong global interest in addressing alleged violations of international law in Gaza. Belgium’s declaration of intervention was officially filed on December 23, 2025, according to an ICJ statement.

Background: South Africa’s Genocide Allegations

South Africa initiated the case in December 2023, arguing that Israel’s military operations in Gaza breach the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The lawsuit contends that Israel’s actions—including attacks on civilians, destruction of infrastructure, and obstruction of humanitarian aid—amount to acts of genocide.

Israel has rejected the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated and disputing claims that its actions constitute genocide.

ICJ Orders and Legal Context

In January 2024, the ICJ issued provisional measures, ordering Israel to:

• Take steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza
• Allow unimpeded access for humanitarian aid

While these orders are legally binding, the ICJ lacks direct enforcement mechanisms. The court also ruled that Israel’s presence in occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful and that its policies constitute de facto annexation. Despite these rulings, Israel has continued military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, while advancing plans to expand control over Palestinian lands.

International Reactions

The case has drawn a sharp divide among nations:

• United States and European allies continue to provide military and financial support to Israel.
• Washington has dismissed the merits of South Africa’s case, with U.S. lawmakers issuing threats and sanctions against countries or officials involved in international investigations.
• Belgium had previously recognized the State of Palestine in September 2025, joining nearly 80% of UN member states that now officially recognize Palestinian statehood.
• Russia, China, and other nations have voiced criticism of Israel’s policies, while some Latin American and European countries have publicly supported Palestinian rights.

Humanitarian Impact

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has had devastating consequences:

• Since the October 7, 2023 war outbreak, at least 70,942 Palestinians have been killed, with 171,195 injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
• Following the October 10 ceasefire, Israel has reportedly killed 406 Palestinians and injured 1,118 in Gaza.

The humanitarian crisis underscores the urgency of international legal scrutiny and highlights the potential role of the ICJ in mediating accountability for alleged violations of international law.

Key Takeaways

• Belgium has officially joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the ICJ.
• Other supporters include Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, and Turkiye.
• The ICJ has issued legally binding provisional measures ordering Israel to prevent genocide and allow humanitarian aid.
• Israel disputes the allegations and continues military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
• The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries.