Cuba files to join SA's genocide case against Israel at ICJ
A year since South Africa first filed its case against Israel in the world’s highest court, support continues to grow.
FILE: South Africa's delegation take their seats in the International Court of Justice's Peace Palace in the genocide case against Israel on 11 January 2024. Picture: Supplied: @Min_JCS on X
CAPE TOWN - Cuba is the latest country, after Ireland, to back South Africa's genocide case against Israel by filing a declaration of intervention with the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
South Africa has a long history of solidarity with Cuba dating back to the struggle years, a relationship that continues to this day.
In its declaration to the court, Cuba is advocating for the enforcement of international obligations under the United Nations' Genocide Convention.
This as negotiators again attempt to thrash out a ceasefire deal in Qatar, in efforts to end the hostilities between Israel and Gaza that have been raging since Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel.
A year since South Africa first filed its case against Israel in the world’s highest court, support continues to grow.
While the court has held oral hearings to determine provisional measures, it's yet to hear the main case, with Israel still to respond to South Africa's memorial filed with the court in October.
In the latest request to intervene in the case, Cuba highlights Israel's alleged violations of international law and its responsibilities under the Genocide Convention in respect of the Palestinian people.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said that declarations from the global north, such as that filed by Ireland a week ago, gives credence to South Africa's case.
"It also helps to shape the narrative that this matter is about humanity. It doesn’t see any colour, any race. It transcends any global boundaries," Lamola said.
Cuba is advocating for the enforcement of international obligations regarding the prevention and punishment of genocide and accountability for actions that may constitute genocide against the Palestinian people.