Egypt announced on Sunday its decision to join a genocide lawsuit initiated by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), citing Israel’s deadly offensive in the Gaza Strip as the impetus.
In a statement issued by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the country underscored the intensification and broadening scope of Israeli attacks targeting Palestinian civilians in Gaza, along with the deliberate destruction of infrastructure within the strip.
The ministry condemned these actions as blatant violations of international law, humanitarian principles, and the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, which safeguards the rights of civilians during armed conflicts.
Egypt urged Israel, as the occupying power, to adhere to its legal obligations and implement interim measures outlined by the ICJ to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Furthermore, Egypt called upon the UN Security Council and concerned stakeholders to swiftly intervene, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, cessation of military operations in Rafah, and enhanced protection for Palestinian civilians.
Earlier this month, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has announced that Turkey would lend its support to South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Fidan stated during a joint press conference with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Ankara, “Upon completion of the legal text of our work, we will submit the declaration of official intervention before the ICJ to implement this political decision.”
He reiterated Turkey’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, affirming, “Turkey will continue to support the Palestinian people in all circumstances.”
Since the onset of the October 7 attack, which claimed nearly 1,200 lives, over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 76,600 others have been injured in the Gaza Strip due to the brutal Israeli offensive.
Despite a ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, Israel rejected the offer, citing unmet demands, and proceeded with military operations in Rafah, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis for over 1.5 million displaced individuals.
As Gaza grapples with extensive destruction and a dire humanitarian situation exacerbated by a blockade restricting access to essential resources, an interim ruling from the ICJ in January deemed it “plausible” that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The court ordered Israel to cease such actions and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians.
In response, South Africa filed a request with the ICJ to compel Israel to withdraw from Rafah as part of additional emergency measures in response to the ongoing conflict.