The filing was made under Article 63 of the ICJ’s statute, which allows states that are parties to a treaty, in this case the 1948 Genocide Convention, to intervene when the court is interpreting that treaty, even if they are not a direct party to the dispute.

The ICJ’s case docket shows that Namibia, Hungary and Fiji also filed declarations of intervention on March 12, while the Netherlands and Iceland filed on March 11, widening international involvement in the long-running case.

South Africa launched the case in December 2023, accusing Israel of committing genocidal acts in Gaza in breach of the Genocide Convention. Israel has strongly denied the allegation.

The case is still at the written-arguments stage. South Africa filed its main memorial in October 2024, and Israel has received extensions for its counter-memorial, with the latest deadline set for March 12. Any final ruling is expected to take years.

Under the ICJ Statute, judges are chosen by concurrent, secret ballots in both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council. A candidate must secure an absolute majority in each chamber to be elected.

This contest drew four candidates; Okowa prevailed after three rounds of voting in the Security Council and four rounds in the General Assembly.

Who is Phoebe Okowa?

Okowa is a Kenyan lawyer and professor of public international law at Queen Mary University of London. Since 2023, she has served as a member of the UN International Law Commission (ILC), the expert body that studies and codifies developments in international law. Her academic and advisory work has focused on the doctrines that underpin the ICJ’s docket, state responsibility, the law of treaties, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Okowa graduated top of her class with an LLB (First Class Honours) from the University of Nairobi. On a UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office scholarship, she completed the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) at the University of Oxford, where she also earned her D.Phil under the supervision of the late Ian Brownlie QC, the Chichele Professor of International Law.

Her Oxford University Press monograph, State Responsibility for Transboundary Air Pollution, is widely regarded as a definitive study of how environmental harm challenges traditional accountability in international law. She co‑edited Environmental Law and Justice in Context (with Jonas Ebbesson, Cambridge University Press, 2009), and her work on the admissibility of claims in international adjudication has been cited with approval by domestic courts grappling with questions of international law.

Okowa serves on the International Advisory Board of the Stockholm Centre for International Law and sits on the Executive Committee of the International Society of Public Law (ICON‑S).

What the ICJ seat entails

The ICJ is the UN’s principal judicial organ, composed of 15 judges elected to nine‑year terms (with judges eligible for re‑election). When a judge dies or resigns, the UN conducts a special election to fill the unexpired portion of the term, as in this case.

By statute, the 15 judges must be nationals of 15 different countries, and the Court’s overall composition must reflect the main forms of civilisation and the principal legal systems of the world.

As with all ICJ judges, she will participate in hearing contentious cases between states and in drafting advisory opinions requested by UN organs and specialised agencies.

The Israeli leader argued that his government has urged civilians to evacuate combat zones while Hamas, which he labelled a “genocidal terrorist organisation,” has tried to prevent them from leaving. He accused the militant group of being the true instigator of mass suffering.

Netanyahu’s remarks came after months of intensifying scrutiny over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed and most of the territory’s residents displaced. Human rights groups and aid agencies have warned of famine, disease and total collapse of basic services.

In a landmark report released this month, a UN commission concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet four of the five acts of genocide defined under international law, including killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, inflicting life-destroying conditions , and preventing births.

Separately, the International Court of Justice is hearing a case brought by South Africa that accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, a charge Israel has fiercely rejected. Earlier this year, the ICJ ordered Israel to ensure humanitarian aid reached civilians, but UN monitors say those orders have largely been ignored.

Despite the mounting legal challenges, Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead with the military campaign against Hamas, insisting Israel will “finish the job.” He accused critics of “turning the truth on its head” by equating Israel with genocidal regimes.

The Chilean leader’s intervention came as civilian casualties in Gaza continue to mount. Palestinian health authorities say tens of thousands of people have been killed since the start of Israel’s military campaign, many of them women and children .

Boric argued that the suffering transcended borders. “When beneath the rubble lie boys and girls, there is a genuine pain in our homeland, in Chile,” he said. The deaths of innocents, he added, “resonate far beyond Gaza.”

He also condemned what he described as repeated violations of sovereignty and international law. Without naming specific countries, he criticised assassinations on neutral territory, attacks on nuclear facilities and wars launched under false pretences.

"That is precisely why these United Nations were created: to dialogue and decide that barbarity is not acceptable, that human rights must be respected regardless of ideologies, of victims or of perpetrators, and that international law is the guarantee that reason will always prevail over force."

The Chilean president framed his remarks as part of a broader call for renewed dialogue.

He urged nations to build bridges rather than deepen divides, pointing to a new regional initiative on democracy launched with Brazil, Spain, Uruguay and Colombia.

The announcement followed a two-day meeting in Phnom Penh of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), a body set up to negotiate border issues.

Cambodian officials said they would take the disputes regarding the Emerald Triangle and three ancient temples, Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Toch, and Ta Kwai, to the UN’s top court, even though Thailand has objected to this approach.

Cambodia's Minister in charge of Border Affairs, Lam Chea, told the Thai side that the decision was based on a desire for a fair and lasting legal solution.

According to him, the move would no longer allow the four contested areas to be discussed in future JBC meetings.

Despite the disagreement, both sides said the meeting had been held in a friendly atmosphere and agreed to continue working together on other parts of the 800-kilometre border.

This includes placing boundary markers and carrying out joint land surveys in areas not under dispute.

Cambodia says its claims are based on maps drawn at a 1:200,000 scale in line with treaties signed with France and Siam (now Thailand) in the early 1900s.

It has rejected any alternative maps used by Thailand, saying they are the root cause of repeated tensions.

Thailand has not accepted the ICJ’s role in the matter and says the issue should be solved through existing bilateral mechanisms.

The two countries agreed to meet again in September 2025, with Thailand hosting the next JBC session. Both sides also continue to work together through military and security committees to reduce tensions and manage cross-border cooperation.

The border issue has been sensitive for decades, with past disputes occasionally sparking armed clashes.

"We are ready to end the war in Gaza, but we will be able to do that when our objectives are achieved," Saar said in an AFP footage.

In addition to this revelation, Saar noted that it is so unfair that Israel is not allowed to fully exercise its rights of self-defence, citing legal proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ).

"This country (Israel) is attacked with an effort to deny its right to self-defence. I see the proceedings in the international legal forums, in the Hague, the ICC and the ICJ, as a part of this effort to deny Israel's right to self-defence," he explained.

However, in the case of a Lebanon ceasefire, the official hinted at "certain progress" in ensuring one with the United States of America.

"We are working with the Americans on the issue," Saar said in response to a question about a possible ceasefire in Lebanon.

What they said

Addressing inquiries about the 1979 treaty between Egypt and Israel against the backdrop of the Rafah operation, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry emphasised the treaty's significance in maintaining security. Shoukry indicated that the treaty includes mechanisms to address violations, albeit without delving into specifics. "We appreciate the announcement by the sister Arab Republic of Egypt of its intention to join the lawsuit filed by the Republic of South Africa," Hamas has said in a statement. "The announcement of the intervention in this case comes in light of the expansion in scope and scale of Israeli violations against civilians in Gaza," the Egyptian foreign ministry is quoted by Reuters .

Mexico increased import duties on 544 products by 5% to 50% for two years. The increase does not apply to goods from countries with Free Trade Agreements with Mexico. Media agency Clark Hill explained that the increase will impact imports from non-FTA countries like China, Brazil, and Indonesia. The increase will not affect certain industrial production mechanisms. The article also provides contact information for legal counsel and upcoming training programs.

Ecuador takes Mexico to Court

Ecuador has taken Mexico to the International Court of Justice for granting asylum to former vice president Jorge Glas, who was convicted of corruption. This has sparked disagreement and legal action between the two countries. Ecuador argues that Mexico violated international law and interfered with its internal affairs by granting asylum to a convicted individual, reports the Jurist News . President Daniel Noboa has stated that Ecuador will not allow any interference with its rule of law and sovereignty.

Mexico - US partnership

President Joe Biden and Mexican President López Obrador plan to increase enforcement measures to crack down on illegal migration, including tougher enforcement on railways, buses, and airports and more repatriation flights. Spectrum News indicated that they are working together to "effectively manage" migration and the U.S.-Mexico border and are directing their national security aides to implement concrete measures to reduce illegal border crossings. U.S. officials have credited Mexican authorities for a recent decrease in arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border and the two leaders are discussing potential executive actions to reduce further the number of migrants arriving at the southern U.S. border.

Economic growth

Mexico's economy grew by 0.2% in the first quarter, better than expected but slower than the previous year. The primary sector declined while services rose. This is the tenth consecutive quarter of growth, but it is slowing down due to challenges like tighter financial and difficult external conditions, U.S. News reported.

World's deepest blue hole discovered

The world's deepest blue hole was discovered in Mexico during a scuba diving expedition. Named Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH), it extends at least 1,380 feet below sea level, surpassing the previous record holder by 480 feet. The hole may be connected to the ocean via a network of tunnels and caves. Researchers plan to further explore its depth and potential interconnected system. Blue holes are water-filled vertical sinkholes formed in coastal regions with soluble bedrock, Wion News explained.

Here are the six Latin American countries that have currently issued statements welcoming the legal action so far.

Brazil

On Wednesday, January 11, Brazil's Foreign Ministry announced its support for South Africa's case through a statement following a meeting between Brazil's President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the Palestinian ambassador to the country, Ibrahim Alzeben,

“In light of the flagrant violations of international humanitarian law, the president expressed his support for South Africa's initiative to petition the International Court of Justice to order Israel to immediately cease all acts and measures that may constitute genocide or related crimes under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide,” the document says. 

Colombia

On the same day, Colombia issued an official statement expressing that "South Africa's demand is a brave step in the right direction". It added that it is clear that "the actions and measures taken by the government of Israel constitute acts of genocide" since the beginning of this phase of the conflict.

Nicaragua

The Government of Nicaragua welcomed the legal action against Israel, considering it "the first step towards accountability before the international community". The Central American country also urged Israel to "immediately cease its military assault against the Palestinian people" and called "for an end to the occupation".

Bolivia

Since the beginning of the war, Bolivia has expressed its support for Palestine and condemned Israel. On Sunday, Bolivia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described South Africa's action as "historic". It emphasised that this step "in defence of the Palestinian people" should be accompanied "by the international community that calls for respect for life".

Cuba

On Thursday, Cuba stated that it has "the obligation to prevent and punish genocide" and highlighted that "Israel continues to act with impunity because it enjoys the complicit protection of the United States". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that, by obstructing and vetoing Security Council action, the United States is "undermining peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and worldwide" .

Venezuela

Venezuela recognised "the firm and historic step of South Africa in defence of the Palestinian people and International Law," emphasising that "this action must be accompanied by the entire international community". The country also referenced recent United Nations reports indicating that more than 21 thousand people were killed since October 7, 2023, mostly children and women.