Brasilia [Brazil], July 24 (ANI): Brazil is preparing to formally intervene in the genocide case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), according to a statement issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by Al Jazeera.
“The Brazilian government announces that it is in the final stages of submitting a formal intervention in the ongoing case at the International Court of Justice, brought by South Africa under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide,” the ministry’s statement read.
The Foreign Ministry emphasized, “The international community cannot remain inactive in the face of ongoing atrocities. Brazil believes there is no longer room for moral ambiguity or political omission. Impunity undermines international legality and the credibility of the multilateral system.”
Brazil’s move comes amid increasing global scrutiny of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, particularly over humanitarian restrictions that have driven the region to the brink of famine.
The ministry further expressed “deep indignation at the recurring episodes of violence against the civilian population in the State of Palestine, not limited to the Gaza Strip but extending to the West Bank.”
In its statement, Brazil condemned the “shameless use of starvation as a weapon of war,” calling it a grave human rights violation. The decision to intervene, Brazil stated, is based on the “plausibility that the rights of Palestinians to protection against acts of genocide are being irreversibly impaired.”
Brazil joins other nations such as Spain, Turkiye, and the Republic of Ireland, which have submitted similar interventions urging the ICJ to determine whether Israel has violated its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
At a BRICS summit earlier this month, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva explicitly called Israel’s actions in Gaza a genocide, according to Al Jazeera.
The Israeli embassy in Brasilia responded critically, stating that the “harsh words do not fully portray the reality of what is currently happening in Gaza” and accused Brazil of “completely ignoring” the role of Hamas in the conflict.
The National Israeli Association of Brazil (CONIB) also expressed disapproval, stating, “The breaking of Brazil’s long-standing friendship and partnership with Israel is a misguided move that proves the extremism of our foreign policy.”
Although the ICJ has not yet ruled on the genocide allegations, it did issue a preliminary order in January 2024, requiring Israel to take measures to prevent genocide in Gaza and to improve humanitarian aid access.
Despite mounting international criticism, including from the United Nations, pressure on Israel has reportedly had limited impact, with the United States and other Western allies continuing to back Israel.
Al Jazeera reported that more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since May while waiting at Global Humanitarian Forum (GHF) aid distribution sites, which U.N. officials have labeled as “death traps.” The U.N. has declined to work with the GHF, a group reportedly closely aligned with Israel and the U.S., especially after most international aid organizations were barred from operating in Gaza.
Israel’s full blockade, imposed in March, prevented aid from entering Gaza for several months. Limited assistance was later resumed through the GHF, though concerns about its independence and effectiveness persist.
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