Cuba will join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), concerning the Israeli war in Gaza, reported CNN.
“Cuba has decided to participate, as a third party, in South Africa’s complaint against Israel at the International Court of Justice,” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said.
The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday that Cuba will participate as a third party in the case that accused the Israeli occupation of violating the international laws by committing genocide in Gaza.
“Cuba will exercise its right to provide, as a third party, its interpretation of the rules of the convention that Israel has flagrantly violated through its actions in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories in the Gaza Strip,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Genocide Case
South Africa accused Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinians, following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
It submitted various evidence claiming “acts and omissions” by Israel “are genocidal, aimed at bringing about ” the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group”.
South Africa accused the Israeli occupation of carrying out air strikes and killing thousands of Palestinians, mentioning comments from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as evidence of “genocidal intent”.
Israel’s Response
Hearings began in January, with Israel fiercely rejecting the case and accusing South Africa of presenting “grossly distorted” allegations of genocide.
Israel insists that its bloody war in Gaza is “self-defense,” and it targets Hamas, not the Palestinians, and that its leaders have shown no genocidal intent, reported CNN.
In addition, it asked the UN court to dismiss the case on the grounds that the evidence is “unfounded.”
One month ago, the ICJ ordered Israel to stop its Rafah military assault in Gaza in response to a complaint from South Africa.
It also ruled Israel must keep Rafah crossing open for “unhindered” humanitarian aid.
The ICJ also ordered Israel to submit a report to the court within one month containing all measures taken to comply with the order.
In April, the court set deadlines for the parties to submit their evidence and counter-memorials, which will be October 28, 2024, and July 28, 2025, respectively.
Countries involved in South Africa’s Genocide Case
In May, the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Turkey would join in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel as a response to Israel’s violations during the war on Gaza after it has already taken serious steps against Israel, such as the restrictions on some exports.
In January, Erdogan said that Turkey was providing documents for the case at the ICJ in order to strengthen South Africa’s case against Israel. Turkey’s application comes after a couple of applications submitted separately by Nicaragua and Colombia to join the genocide case.
Moreover, Nicaragua’s application was submitted under Article 62 of the ICJ Statute, requesting intervention in South Africa’s case against Israel.
Columbia supported South Africa’s case and requested a different type of intervention under Article 63 of the Statute to assist the Court in interpreting the provisions of the Convention in this case.
Furthermore, Libya and Mexico have also announced their intention to join the case, reported CNN.
Multiple Recognitions of Palestinian State
Cuba’s decision comes after Armenia’s official recognition of the independent Palestinian State despite opposition from Israel, reported Reuters.
“The Republic of Armenia has joined United Nations General Assembly resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” the statement said.
As a response, the Palestinian Authority has greatly welcomed Armenia’s decision.
“This recognition contributes positively to preserving the two-state solution, which faces systematic challenges, and promotes security, peace, and stability for all parties involved,” the Authority’s presidency said in a statement.
Three weeks ago, Slovenia’s government approved a decision to recognize an independent Palestinian state.
Moreover, it raised a Palestinian flag alongside the flags of Slovenia and the EU in front of its building in downtown Ljubljana.
On May 28, Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognized a Palestinian state after Israel’s airstrike on a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah that killed at least 45 people and wounded 200 others.
The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that this recognition is a historic step paving the way to achieve peace and two-state solution.
Moreover, the Irish Government has raised the Palestinian flag outside Leinster House, Irish Parliament’s headquarters, marking the formal recognition of the State of Palestine.
“I hope it sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that in this, their darkest hour, Ireland stands with them,” said the Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris.
Related Topics:
Slovenia Recognizes Independent Palestinian State
Turkey to Join South Africa’s Genocide Case against Israel at World Court
Armenia Officially Recognizes Independent Palestinian State
