Cuba announced on Friday that it will join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, according to Anadolu Agency (AA). Radio Havana Cuba reported that under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, Cuba will exercise its right as a third party to provide its interpretation of the convention, alleging that Israel has committed violations in the Gaza Strip.
The Cuban Foreign Ministry noted it decided to join the case to support international efforts to put an end to the crime of genocide committed against the Palestinian people.
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“Israel ignores its obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention (concerned with the protection of civilian persons in time of war), under the protection of American complicity,” it said and asserted that “genocide, apartheid, forced displacement, and collective punishment have no place in the world,” it said.
The case aims to stop the atrocities against the Palestinian people, citing Israel’s disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force in the occupied Gaza territory. Cuba emphasized that Israel, with US complicity, has consistently ignored its obligations under the Geneva Convention as an occupying power.
Cuba condemned genocide, apartheid, forced displacement, and collective punishment, stating that these actions have no place in today’s world and should not be tolerated by the international community. It called for justice and adherence to the UN Charter and international law.
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which recently ordered Tel Aviv to halt its operations in Rafah, where over one million Palestinians had sought refuge before the May invasion. Despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, Israel has continued its offensive in Gaza, drawing international condemnation. Since October 7, over 37,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 85,000 injured.
More than eight months into the conflict, Gaza remains devastated with widespread destruction and a crippling blockade affecting access to food, clean water, and medicine.
Palestine welcomed Cuba’s announcement Saturday to intervene in a “genocide” case brought by South Africa against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). It also urged “more active participation” by other states in the court proceedings.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the decision “reflects Cuba’s steadfast commitment to justice and the rule of international law, and confirms the deep solidarity and historical friendship between the two countries.”
