Belgium has formally intervened in the genocide case brought by South Africa against “Israel” at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), adding momentum to international legal efforts seeking accountability for what Palestinians have endured during “Israel’s” war on Gaza, Lebanese Al-Mayadeen reported.
In a press release issued on Monday, the Court said Belgium filed a declaration of intervention under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, which allows states to participate in proceedings when the interpretation of an international convention to which they are party is at issue. Unlike contentious proceedings, Article 63 interventions focus strictly on treaty interpretation rather than factual determinations or the attribution of responsibility.
Belgium said its intervention is based on its status as a party to the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, arguing that the case raises questions about the interpretation of several core provisions of the Convention, particularly Article II, which defines genocide and sets out the requirement of specific intent, known as dolus specialis.
MNA