Cuba files a declaration of intervention in the proceedings under Article 63 of the Statute

 

INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE 
Peace Palace, Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ  The Hague, Netherlands
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Press Release 
Unofficial

No. 2024/2 

13 January 2025

Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime 
of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel)

Cuba files a declaration of intervention in the proceedings 
under Article 63 of the Statute

THE HAGUE, 13 January 2025. On Friday 10 January 2025, Cuba, invoking Article 63 of the
Statute of the Court, filed in the Registry of the Court a declaration of intervention in the case
concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel). 

Pursuant to Article 63 of the Statute, whenever the construction of a convention to which 
States other than those concerned in the case are parties is in question, each of these States has the
right to intervene in the proceedings. In this case, the construction given by the judgment of the Court
will be equally binding upon them. 

In availing itself of the right of intervention conferred by Article 63, Cuba relies on its status 
as a party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of
9 December 1948 (the “Genocide Convention”). In its declaration, Cuba offers its interpretation of
Articles I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII and IX of the Convention. 

In accordance with Article 83 of the Rules of Court, South Africa and Israel have been invited 
to furnish written observations on the declaration of intervention. 
The full text of the declaration of intervention of Cuba is available on the Court’s website. 

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History of the proceedings 
On 29 December 2023, South Africa filed an Application instituting proceedings against Israel
concerning alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the Genocide Convention in relation 
to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. 
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Provisional measures 

The Application also contained a request for the indication of provisional measures, pursuant 
to Article 41 of the Statute of the Court and Articles 73, 74 and 75 of the Rules of Court.
The Applicant requested the Court to indicate provisional measures in order to “protect against
further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide
Convention” and “to ensure Israel’s compliance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention
not to engage in genocide, and to prevent and to punish genocide”. On 26 January 2024, the Court
delivered its Order on South Africa’s request. 
On 6 March 2024, South Africa submitted a request for the indication of additional provisional
measures and/or the modification of the Court’s Order of 26 January 2024. On 28 March 2024, the
Court indicated additional provisional measures. 
On 10 May 2024, South Africa submitted a further request for the modification and the
indication of provisional measures. By an Order dated 24 May 2024, the Court reaffirmed its
previous provisional measures and indicated new provisional measures. 
Intervention proceedings 
To date, the following States have filed an application for permission to intervene under
Article 62 of the Statute or a declaration of intervention under Article 63 of the Statute: Nicaragua
(under Article 62 of the Statute, on 23 January 2024); Colombia (under Article 63 of the Statute, on
5 April 2024); Libya (under Article 63 of the Statute, on 10 May 2024); Mexico (under Article 63 of
the Statute, on 24 May 2024); Palestine (under Articles 62 and 63 of the Statute, on 31 May 2024);
Spain (under Article 63 of the Statute, on 28 June 2024); Türkiye (under Article 63 of the Statute, on
7 August 2024); Chile (under Article 63 of the Statute, on 12 September 2024); the Maldives (under
Article 63 of the Statute, on 1 October 2024); Bolivia (under Article 63 of the Statute, on 8 October
2024); and Ireland (under Article 63 of the Statute, on 6 January 2025). 
Earlier press releases relating to this case are available on the Court’s website. 

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Note: The Court’s press releases are prepared by its Registry for information purposes only
and do not constitute official documents. 

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The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
It was established by the United Nations Charter in June 1945 and began its activities in April 1946.
The Court is composed of 15 judges elected for a nine-year term by the General Assembly and the
Security Council of the United Nations. The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague
(Netherlands). The Court has a twofold role: first, to settle, in accordance with international law,
legal disputes submitted to it by States; and, second, to give advisory opinions on legal questions
referred to it by duly authorized United Nations organs and agencies of the system. 

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Information Department: 
Ms Monique Legerman, First Secretary of the Court, Head of Department: +31 (0)70 302 2336
Ms Joanne Moore, Information Officer: +31 (0)70 302 2337
Ms Anna Bonini, Associate Information Officer: +31 (0)70 302 2419
Email: [email protected]