Colombia withdraws from ICJ genocide case against ‘Israel’
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Colombia has officially withdrawn its intervention in South Africa’s genocide case against ‘Israel’ at the International Court of Justice, the court announced on Tuesday.
In a press release, the ICJ stated Colombia informed the Court it had decided to withdraw the Declaration of intervention filed under Article 63 of the Court’s Statute on 5 April 2024 in the case Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel).
The move ends Colombia’s formal participation as an intervening state.
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the withdrawal, noting that the decision was taken under the president’s constitutional authority to direct international relations.
It stressed that the step “does not change Colombia’s status as a State Party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, nor does it affect the validity, scope or binding force of the international obligations assumed under that instrument.”
The withdrawal reverses a step taken under former President Gustavo Petro, whose government filed the intervention in 2024 amid sharply deteriorated ties with ‘Israel’, including the severance of diplomatic relations.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office in August, has moved to restore those relations as part of a broader policy shift.
‘Israeli’ Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the decision, saying he thanked “my friends, the President of Colombia, Abelardo De La Espriella, for Colombia’s official announcement to withdraw its membership in South Africa’s false and malicious case against Israel before the ICJ, which was filed during Petro’s antisemitic era.”
He noted the step followed earlier discussions with Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula and added that “the friendship between Israel and Colombia is stronger than ever.”
‘Israeli’ Ambassador to Colombia Vivien Aisen echoed the praise, stating that Colombia chose “the right side of history” and made “a brave and responsible decision that we deeply appreciate.”
South Africa initiated the case in December 2023, accusing ‘Israel’ of violating the Genocide Convention in its assault on Gaza; ‘Israel’ has rejected the allegations.
The proceedings continue, with the ICJ having issued provisional measures orders, and other states remaining as interveners.
Colombia’s exit does not affect the main case or the Court’s jurisdiction.
