Bolivia joins South Africa ICJ ‘genocide’ case against Israel

Bolivia joins South Africa in ICJ case against Israel over Gaza offensive, alleging genocide breaches U.N. Convention.

Bolivia has joined South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that alleges the Israeli Gaza offensive breaches the U.N. Genocide Convention, the court said on Wednesday (October 9, 2024).

The South American country is the latest of several nations, including Colombia, Libya, Spain and Mexico, to add their weight to the case against Israel, which vehemently denies the accusations.

Bolivia already announced in November it was severing diplomatic ties over what it described as the “disproportionate” attacks on Gaza by Israel. At the time, Israel slammed the move as “a surrender to terrorism”.

In a January 26 ruling that made headlines around the world, the ICJ told Israel to do everything possible to prevent acts of genocide during its military operations in Gaza.

The court has also ordered Israel to ensure “unimpeded access” to U.N.-mandated investigators to look into allegations of genocide.

South Africa has returned several times to the ICJ, arguing that the dire humanitarian situation in the territory compels the court to issue further fresh emergency measures.

In its submission to the court made public on Wednesday (October 9, 2024), Bolivia argued: “Israel’s genocidal war continues, and the Court’s orders remain dead letters to Israel.” While ICJ rulings are legally binding, the court has no concrete means to enforce them.