Germany made an announcement on Jan. 12 that it will intervene as a third party on behalf of Israel, in the case brought before the International Court of Justice by South Africa on Jan. 11-12, accusing Israel of genocide against Gaza. Further coverage was made in the Times of Israel, based largely on AFP reporting.
Berlin’s government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said the Jan. 12 a statement (as translated from German): “On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists brutally attacked, tortured, killed and kidnapped innocent people in Israel. Hamas’ goal is to wipe out Israel. Since then, Israel has been defending itself against the inhumane attack by Hamas.
“In view of Germany’s history and the crime against humanity of the Shoah, the Federal Government sees itself as particularly committed to the Convention against Genocide. This convention is a central instrument of international law to implement ‘never again.’ We firmly oppose political instrumentalization.
