Chile has become the latest country to join South Africa in its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
President Gabriel Boric announced Chile’s intention during a speech, accusing the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) of using “indiscriminate and disproportional” force. He emphasized that these actions require a decisive and ongoing response from the international community.
South Africa initiated the case against Israel last year, accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza—a charge that Israel denies.
Following South Africa’s lead, Chile joins a growing list of countries supporting the case, which includes Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia, Libya, Maldives, Namibia, Venezuela, Egypt, Bolivia, Turkiye, Ireland, Belgium, Indonesia, and the Organization of Islamic Countries (comprising 57 members).
Conversely, Germany has declared its intention to intervene on Israel’s behalf, while the United States has expressed its opposition to the case.
Chile hosts the largest Palestinian community outside the Middle East. In January, the ICJ issued a preliminary ruling suggesting it was “plausible” that Israel was committing genocide and ordered measures to prevent genocide in Gaza while ensuring aid reached those in need.
Recently, the ICJ ordered Israel to cease its campaign in Rafah, a southern Gazan city where over a million Palestinians sought refuge.
Despite this, Israel bombed a refugee camp in Rafah three days later, resulting in a devastating fire that killed more than 50 people.
Initially, Israel claimed the target was Hamas leaders, but following widespread dissemination of distressing images and videos, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the attack a “tragic mistake.”
The incident drew significant international condemnation.
Since the start of Israel’s campaign against Gaza in October, at least 35,984 Palestinians, including over 15,000 children, have been killed, according to local authorities.
Additionally, more than 80,634 Palestinians have been seriously injured, and at least 10,000 are missing.
Including casualties from Hamas’ attack on October 7 and subsequent fighting, at least 1,139 Israelis have been killed and over 8,730 injured.
