In a statement released by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government confirmed it was preparing a formal legal intervention in support of the case, saying it aims to uphold international law and defend civilian lives in the face of what it described as “indiscriminate violence” and “the use of hunger as a weapon of war.”

South Africa brought the case to the ICJ the United Nations’ top judicial body located in The Hague in December 2023, arguing that Israel’s offensive in Gaza violates the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, which defines genocide as any act committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.

Brazil’s Foreign Ministry strongly criticized the ongoing violence in Gaza, declaring, “The international community cannot remain inert in the face of ongoing atrocities.” The statement echoed growing concerns from human rights groups and aid agencies that mass starvation is spreading across the war-torn territory.

More than 100 humanitarian organizations have sounded the alarm over Gaza’s dire humanitarian situation, blaming restricted aid access and widespread destruction. Israel has rejected claims that it is responsible for the territory’s food shortages.

ICJ has already issued binding orders to Israel

In preliminary rulings issued in January, March, and May 2024, the ICJ ordered Israel to take “all measures within its power” to prevent acts of genocide and to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza to avert famine.

Brazil’s move to join the case aligns it with countries like Colombia, Libya, and Mexico, which have already formally intervened in the proceedings, while several others have expressed political support.

President Lula’s repeated criticism of Israel

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been among the most vocal world leaders criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza, repeatedly describing them as “genocide.” His stance has drawn both praise and controversy on the global stage.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israeli territory, killing and kidnapping civilians. Israel responded with a massive military operation in Gaza, which it says targets Hamas but has drawn widespread criticism for its devastating toll on civilians and infrastructure.