Bolivia has officially joined South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that Israel has committed “genocidal acts” against the Palestinian people in Gaza. The South American nation submitted its application to intervene in the ongoing case on Tuesday, asserting its responsibility to condemn acts of genocide as defined by the Genocide Convention.

The move comes amid escalating tensions and significant civilian casualties resulting from Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which, according to the enclave's Ministry of Health, have claimed the lives of over 42,000 individuals, primarily civilians.

In a ruling earlier this year, the ICJ determined that Israel must take all necessary measures to prevent genocide in Gaza and granted unimpeded access to UN investigators. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the court's interim ruling, calling it “outrageous” and reaffirming Israel's commitment to its military campaign.

Despite the ICJ's legally binding orders, reports from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, indicate that Israel has not taken adequate steps to comply. South Africa has made multiple appeals to the ICJ since then, citing the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza as justification for new emergency measures.

In its application, Bolivia criticized Israel's actions, stating, “Israel’s genocidal war continues, and the Court’s orders remain dead letters to Israel.” The country severed diplomatic ties with Israel in November 2023 in protest of the ongoing violence.

The ICJ has limited enforcement capabilities, raising questions about the effectiveness of its rulings. As the situation evolves, humanitarian organizations continue to voice their concerns for the millions trapped in Gaza, with Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, describing the suffering as “unspeakable.”

Lazzarini emphasized the daily horrors faced by families in Gaza as they endure forced displacement, disease, hunger, and death in what has become a bombed-out and besieged enclave.

This development underscores the increasing international scrutiny over Israel's actions in Gaza, as countries and organizations push for accountability and a resolution to the ongoing conflict.