Mexico Joins ICJ Lawsuit Against Israel

Following the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) order for Israel to halt its attacks on Gaza, which Israel did not comply with, the Mexican government asked the ICJ to intervene in the case against Israel for potential genocide in Gaza. Additionally, hundreds of people protested against the war outside the Israeli Embassy, resulting in violent clashes between demonstrators and the police.

Last week, the ICJ ordered Israel to cease its offensive on the city of Rafah in Gaza after South Africa filed a case accusing Israel of genocide. Colombia, Libya, and Mexico joined the lawsuit, with Mexico invoking Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, which allows countries to intervene in the proceedings. “Mexico has a very clear legal interest as a signatory of this treaty, and it is communicating to the Court its intention to ensure compliance with the Genocide Convention,” says León Castellanos Jankiewicz, International Law Specialist, Asser Institute.

President López Obrador had previously condemned the attacks in the Israel-Hamas war and stated that the government is considering recognizing Palestine as a state. However, the president expressed his desire to maintain a neutral stance in the conflict.

The ambiguity of the Mexican government's position, coupled with Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, led about 200 people to join the “Urgent Action for Rafah” demonstration outside the Israeli embassy in Mexico on May 28. Protesters stated that the protest was initially peaceful; however, a confrontation with the police erupted as some protesters attempted to approach the Israeli Embassy. Videos show protesters trying to remove metal barriers to approach the embassy, while police deployed tear gas and threw stones. In response to the police actions, some protesters threw Molotov cocktails at the area surrounding the Israeli embassy.

In a statement, the Israeli embassy stressed that while it respects the right of Mexicans to protest, the violence and antisemitic content are concerning. The Embassy also emphasized that Israel is doing everything possible to minimize harm to Gaza residents and regretted civilian casualties.

Since the beginning of the conflict, thousands have taken to the streets around the world to protest against the war in Gaza. Citizens in countries such as Yemen, Morocco, Iran, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Egypt, Turkey, Libya, Spain, Norway, Ireland, Colombia, Sweden and even inside Israel have demanded that Israel respect the ceasefire and stop attacking Palestinians.

How Did the Israel-Hamas War Start?

On Oct. 7 the Palestine-Islamic militant group Hamas, which opposes Israeli control of Palestine, launched a surprise sea, air, and ground attack on Israeli territory. Hamas attacked military targets and took control of several Israeli-controlled settlements. Israel subsequently declared war on the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas. Even though Hamas forces are located in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian civilians are also there and cannot flee the area. The death toll on the Gaza Strip has risen to 36,171.