Brazil Prepares to Join South Africa's Genocide Case Against Israel at the International Court of Justice

BRASILIA, July 23, 2025 - Brazil has formally signaled its intention to join South Africa's genocide lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

According to a statement from Brazil's Foreign Ministry, the country is "in final stages" of submitting documentation to intervene in the case, advancing its diplomatic stance amid global legal scrutiny.

Background of the ICJ Case

South Africa originally lodged the lawsuit on December 29, 2023, under the 1948 Genocide Convention. It accuses Israel of conducting operations in Gaza that exceed military necessity, targeting civilians and violating international humanitarian law by striking schools, hospitals, refugee camps, and civilian shelters.

By joining, Brazil aligns itself with other nations-including Spain, Turkey, Colombia, Cuba, Ireland, Chile, Bolivia, and Palestine-that have already intervened in support of South Africa.

Brazil's Rationale for Intervention

In its official declaration, Brasília accused Israel of "violations of international law, such as the annexation of territories by force," and expressed "deep indignation" toward the suffering inflicted upon Palestinian civilians.

Diplomatic sources cited by bne Intellinews underscored that Israel's military incursions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank - notably actions occurring outside conflict zones - were pivotal in accelerating Brazil's decision.

Humanitarian Pressures

Brazil's move comes amid growing international alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On July 22, a coalition of 111 NGOs, including Médecins Sans Frontières and the Norwegian Refugee Council, warned that Gaza is teetering on the brink of famine. They urged for an immediate ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access, describing widespread food and medical deprivation as "mass starvation".

Political Context and Diplomatic Fallout

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a vocal critic of Israel's Gaza operations, brings political weight to the decision. However, the National Israeli Association in Brazil (CONIB) condemned the intervention, claiming it "breaks" Brazil's longstanding ties with Israel and reflects an "extremism" within current foreign policy.

With tensions already high between Brazil and the United States-including a recent Trump-era proposal for 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports-some analysts worry that this decision could strain relations with Washington. Despite this, a Brazilian diplomat told Reuters that Brasília "does not believe" its involvement will negatively impact ties with the U.S..

The U.S. Position

The United States has consistently opposed South Africa's ICJ challenge. Under both President Trump and President Biden, Washington described the case as "baseless," accusing South Africa of misusing the Genocide Convention. In February 2025, Trump issued an executive order halting financial aid to South Africa, citing the ongoing ICJ proceedings.

What Happens Next?

Brazil's official intervention decision is expected this week. It will likely prompt legal briefs and arguments from Brazil's legal team, explaining why it deems Israel's actions to violate the Genocide Convention. The ICJ may then out a hearing timetable for new participants.

Brazil joins a growing chorus of states marking the case as a momentous test of international legal commitments to prevent genocide. Whether the ICJ ultimately sides with South Africa-and now Brazil-remains uncertain. However, this expanding coalition signals a new phase in the case, raising political stakes and reinforcing Portugal-led humanitarian and legal concerns at the highest judicial level.

Why This Matters

• Legal precedent: If the ICJ finds Israel in violation of the Genocide Convention, it could redefine wartime accountability.
• Diplomatic ripple effects: Brazil's involvement may influence other UN member states to follow suit-or provoke backlash from key allies.
• Humanitarian implications: The move lends international visibility to Gaza's suffering and may pressure Israel toward operational restraint or ceasefire efforts.

With Brazil expected to formalize its intervention this week, South Africa's genocide case against Israel broadens-from a legal dispute to a global diplomatic battle. As one of Latin America's most prominent nations, Brazil's participation underscores both the moral urgency surrounding Gaza's civilian toll and the complexities of applying international law amid geopolitical tensions.