Belgium has taken a formal step into one of the most closely watched international legal battles in recent years, announcing its decision to intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the war in Gaza. The move deepens Europe’s visible involvement in the proceedings and signals widening concern about Israel’s conduct in the besieged enclave.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the ICJ confirmed that Belgium submitted a declaration of intervention, aligning itself with a group of states that now includes Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain and Turkiye. South Africa filed the original application in December 2023, accusing Israel of breaching its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention through its military campaign in Gaza.
Israel has firmly rejected the allegation, arguing that its actions constitute self defense and branding the case as politically driven. However, the judges in The Hague moved swiftly earlier this year, issuing provisional measures that ordered Israel to take steps to prevent acts that could fall within the scope of genocide and to ensure humanitarian aid flows into Gaza without obstruction.
While the court’s directives are legally binding, enforcement depends largely on diplomatic pressure, as the ICJ lacks direct coercive powers. Beyond Gaza, the court has also issued opinions stating that Israel’s continued presence in occupied Palestinian territory violates international law and amounts to de facto annexation, a conclusion Israel disputes.
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Despite these rulings, Israeli military operations have continued in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank, alongside statements from Israeli officials indicating plans to retain control over large swathes of Palestinian land. This persistence has sharpened criticism from rights groups and parts of the global south, even as key Western allies continue to back Israel diplomatically and militarily.
The United States has dismissed South Africa’s case outright and criticised countries supporting it, with some American lawmakers directing threats and political pressure at Pretoria. Washington has also imposed sanctions on officials of the International Criminal Court, which previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
Belgium’s intervention fits into a broader recalibration of its Middle East posture. In September, Brussels was among the countries that formally recognised the State of Palestine, contributing to a tally where nearly 80 percent of UN member states now extend recognition.
Meanwhile, the human cost of the conflict continues to mount. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, more than 70,900 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023, with over 171,000 wounded. Since a limited ceasefire took effect on October 10, at least 406 more people have been killed, underscoring how fragile diplomatic efforts remain as the legal battle unfolds in The Hague.