By Zeynep Cetin
ISTANBUL (AA) - Belgium announced that it would fully support a decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to stop attacks against Gaza in a case brought by South Africa, which accuses Israel of genocide.
"Belgium reaffirms full support for the International Court Of Justice in this case. If the International Court of Justice calls on Israel to cease its military campaign in Gaza, our country will fully support it,” Minister of Development Cooperation and Urban Policy, Caroline Gennez, wrote on X.
“Belgium pleads in the EU and internationally for permanent ceasefire, full humanitarian access, unconditional release of the hostages, respect for international law and a two-state solution as structural solution to this conflict,” she wrote.
Saying Belgium is taking responsibility for human rights and humanitarian law, Gennez stated: "Meanwhile, I remain committed at all levels to making full humanitarian access to Gaza a reality as soon as possible.”
- South Africa's genocide case
On Dec. 29, South Africa filed a lawsuit with the ICJ requesting an injunction against Israel on the grounds that Israel's attacks on Gaza violate the Genocide Convention.
South Africa is requesting that the ICJ grant nine interim injunctions, including that Israel immediately cease its military operations in Gaza, take reasonable measures to prevent the genocide of Palestinians, ensure that the displaced return to their homes and have access to humanitarian assistance, including adequate food, water, fuel, medical and hygiene supplies, shelter and clothing, take necessary steps to punish those involved in the genocide and preserve the evidence of genocide.
It also requested that the ICJ grant an injunction due to the urgency of the situation. Following the completion of hearings on Jan. 11 - 12, the Court began deliberations after examining the parties' submissions and evidence.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Petra De Sutter also made a similar call and said her country could not remain silent against Israel's threat of genocide in Gaza and urged support for the lawsuit filed by South Africa.
De Sutter, the representative of the Flemish Green Party in the ruling coalition, made a statement Jan. 9 on X.
"Belgium cannot just watch from the sidelines the endless suffering of the people in Gaza. We must act against the threat of genocide. I want Belgium to follow South Africa's lead and take action at the International Court of Justice. I will make this proposal to the Belgian government," she wrote.