OMM Redaksiyası
Colombia has informed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that it is withdrawing its declaration of intervention in South Africa’s case against Israel over alleged violations of the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip.
The court said on Tuesday that Colombia had notified it of the decision. Bogota filed the declaration on April 5, 2024, under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, according to the ICJ.
That provision allows states party to a convention whose interpretation is at issue in a case to intervene in proceedings. Colombia’s intervention did not make it a party to the main case brought by South Africa.
Colombia changes policy on Israel
South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel in December 2023, alleging that Israel had violated its obligations under the Genocide Convention in relation to Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has rejected the allegations and denied that its actions in Gaza constitute genocide.
The decision reverses the policy of former Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who adopted a strongly pro-Palestinian position during the Gaza war. In May 2024, Petro announced that Colombia would sever diplomatic relations with Israel, saying his government could not maintain ties with what he called a genocidal government.
Colombia also announced plans to open an embassy in Ramallah. In August 2024, Petro halted Colombian coal exports to Israel, saying the coal was being used to make weapons used against Palestinians in Gaza.
New government seeks closer ties with Israel
The policy changed after Abelardo de la Espriella took office as president in August. His government has moved to restore diplomatic and economic ties with Israel and announced plans to withdraw Colombia’s intervention in the ICJ case.
The new administration has also moved to reopen Colombia’s embassy in Jerusalem and establish a bilateral economic commission with Israel. It has announced plans for a Colombian delegation to visit Israel in October.
The ICJ has issued several provisional measures in the case since January 2024. The proceedings remain pending before the Hague-based court, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
