The Netherlands and Iceland have joined South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, bringing to 22 the number of countries formally supporting the legal challenge as Israel submitted its counter-memorial on March 13.
The interventions, confirmed by Daily Maverick, represent the latest expansion of international backing for South Africa's December 2023 case alleging that Israel's military operations in Gaza violate the Genocide Convention. The growing coalition includes nations from across the Global South alongside European democracies.
"South Africa's decision to bring this case reflected a moral imperative rooted in our own history," said Ronald Lamola, South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, in recent remarks. "We know what systematic oppression looks like, and we have a duty to speak out against it wherever it occurs."
The timing is significant. Israel's counter-memorial—its formal legal response to South Africa's allegations—was filed yesterday, March 13, arguing that its military operations in Gaza constitute legitimate self-defense following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attacks. Israel rejects allegations that its forces have committed genocidal acts against Palestinians.
The 22 countries now supporting South Africa's case span diverse geographies and political systems. Beyond the Netherlands and Iceland, supporters include , , , , and numerous others—though notably absent are Western powers including the , , and , which have expressed support for 's right to self-defense.

