Brazil has announced its intention to formally support South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel, concerning alleged violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention in the context of the Gaza conflict. The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Wednesday that the government is finalising its legal submission to participate as a third party in the proceedings originally initiated by South Africa in 2023.
South Africa’s application to the ICJ asserts that Israel’s military operations in Gaza, ostensibly aimed at neutralising Hamas militants, have extended beyond legitimate military targets and have resulted in widespread civilian harm. The legal filing references numerous incidents involving airstrikes on schools, hospitals, refugee camps, and shelters, which it claims constitute acts of genocide under international law.
Brazil’s move to support the application comes amid growing international momentum behind the case. Other states, including Spain, Turkey, and Colombia, have also submitted requests to join the proceedings, citing concerns about Israel’s conduct during the conflict.
In its official statement, the Brazilian government expressed “deep indignation at the violence suffered by the civilian population” and condemned what it described as serious violations of international law, including the annexation of territories by force. The statement signals a marked departure from Brazil’s historical posture of neutrality in Middle East affairs and reflects a broader shift in the foreign policy direction of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration.
Israel has consistently denied all allegations of genocide and insists that its military campaign is strictly aimed at eliminating Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist organisation. Israeli officials maintain that all military actions are conducted in accordance with international humanitarian law and have accused critics of failing to acknowledge the threats posed by Hamas.
Responding to Brazil’s announcement, the Israeli embassy in Brasília criticised the language used by the Brazilian government, arguing that it presents a skewed version of the situation in Gaza and fails to adequately consider Hamas’ role in the conflict. The National Israeli Confederation of Brazil (CONIB) also issued a statement condemning the decision as a “misguided move” that signals a rupture in what it characterised as a long-standing friendship between the two nations.
This development comes against the backdrop of escalating diplomatic tensions between Brazil and the United States, a key ally of Israel. Earlier this month, former President Donald Trump’s administration imposed sweeping tariffs on Brazilian imports, raising economic pressure as geopolitical differences widen. However, a senior Brazilian diplomat familiar with internal government deliberations told Reuters that Brasília does not anticipate any significant repercussions from Washington over its decision to join the ICJ case.
The United States has opposed South Africa’s application under both President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration and that of his predecessor, Donald Trump. In February 2025, Trump signed an executive order terminating financial assistance to South Africa, citing its actions at the ICJ as one of the justifications.
The ICJ proceedings remain in preliminary stages, with the court yet to issue a final ruling. Nonetheless, Brazil’s involvement adds significant weight to the legal and diplomatic process. As more countries signal willingness to participate, the ICJ case could become a pivotal moment in the international legal discourse on state conduct during armed conflict.
While the situation continues to evolve, the involvement of multiple nations suggests a rising demand for judicial oversight and accountability regarding military operations in densely populated areas. The case underscores ongoing debates surrounding the application and limits of the Genocide Convention in contemporary conflicts.
