Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said she wants Ireland to intervene in South Africa’s genocide against Israel.
On Friday, the United Nations Supreme Court ordered Israel to take steps to prevent and punish direct incitement of genocide in the ongoing war in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has unanimously approved emergency measures sought by South Africa, except for a call for a complete ceasefire in Gaza.
Mr McEntee told RTÉ Radio’s This Week program that he personally wanted Ireland to intervene in the case.
“Personally, I would like to see that happen, but I am very aware that it needs to be done on the correct legal basis,” McEntee said.
“So what you’re doing is essentially accusing other countries of genocide. You need to know the facts and you need to understand what you’re addressing in this lawsuit. ”
Mr McEntee welcomed last Friday’s ICJ ruling, but said he wished it had gone further and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“But we have to study this now. We can’t just jump in without understanding the facts, but the government has given us a clear commitment to do so.”
On Friday, after the verdict was handed down, Tánaiste Michael Martin said he had asked officials to “urgently” prepare legal advice on South Africa’s participation in the case.
Martin said the court order is final and binding and he expects Israel to implement the judgment.
“Although the court has not called for a ceasefire, the court has ordered Israel and the IDF not to commit any acts of genocide and, importantly, provide urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. “We have ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to ensure that Gaza is provided,” Martin said.
“These orders are binding and the court ordered Israel to report within one month to demonstrate compliance with the orders. It also ordered Israel to prevent and punish incitement to genocide. is also essential.”