Ireland’s Foreign Minister Micheal Martin confirmed the decision on Thursday, one day after the Irish parliament passed a non-binding motion declaring that “genocide is being perpetrated before our eyes by Israel in Gaza.”

South Africa initially filed its genocide case against Israel in December 2023, citing Israel’s military actions in Gaza as “genocidal in character,” with the intent of destroying a significant part of the Palestinian population based on national, racial, and ethnic grounds.

On May 10, South Africa requested that the ICJ order Israel to cease hostilities in Gaza, specifically focusing on Rafah, a densely populated area filled with refugees. This appeal followed Israel’s ground operations in Rafah despite global calls to end the incursions, which resulted in the displacement of over 800,000 people.

In response, the ICJ issued a ruling on May 24, mandating that Israel halt its military operation in Rafah, open humanitarian corridors, and allow an investigation into alleged genocide.

Martin emphasized that the Irish government’s decision to join the South African case was underpinned by “detailed and rigorous legal analysis.”

He told parliament that Ireland remains a “strong supporter of the work of the court” and is “deeply committed to international law and accountability.”

Previously, Ireland, one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, indicated that it would file its intervention upon receiving supporting documentation from South Africa. South Africa confirmed on Monday that it had submitted a “memorial” to the ICJ, containing “evidence” of genocide by Israel in Gaza.

According to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office, the memorial includes over 750 pages, with additional exhibits and annexes spanning more than 4,000 pages, although it remains confidential.

Earlier in the year, Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Libya also petitioned the ICJ in support of South Africa’s case.

The ongoing Israeli war began on October 7, 2023, when Israel launched an extensive offensive in Gaza in response to a significant retaliatory operation by Palestinian resistance groups. To date, the Israeli campaign has reportedly killed over 43,391 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 102,347 others in Gaza.