Chile to join South Africa's ICJ complaint against Israel

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced Saturday that his country will join South Africa's genocide case against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Santiago will participate in the case as an intervener, presenting arguments concerning the interpretation of the UN Genocide Convention's provisions relevant to the case.

Chile's Foreign Ministry emphasized the country's commitment to calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, recognition of two states, and an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories. It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Stating that this move is consistent with the South American nation's historic position on the Middle East, the country's Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren said: "Chile will intervene in the case presented by South Africa against Israel before the ICJ, in accordance with Article 63 of its Statute, within the framework of the UN Genocide Convention."

Previously, Boric condemned Israel's ongoing attacks on the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza, calling them “barbarism.”

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza following the Oct. 7 Hamas incursion, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

More than 36,400 Palestinians have since been killed in Gaza, the vast majority being women and children, and over 82,600 others injured, according to local health authorities.

Nearly eight months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which in its latest ruling has ordered Tel Aviv to immediately halt its operation in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.