GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Hamas Movement has welcomed the decision by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Iceland to formally join the case filed at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel over its genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, Hamas said the move represents “a reinforcement of the principles of international justice and an alignment with the values of humanity and international law.”
The Movement stressed the importance of mobilizing more countries to support the legal cases before the ICJ and the International Criminal Court against Israel and its leaders, calling for accountability and an end to impunity for its grave violations against the Palestinian people.
The case stems from Israel’s genocidal campaign in Gaza that began on October 7, 2023, which has resulted in tens of thousands of victims and injuries and widespread destruction. On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed a case against Israel at the ICJ, accusing it of violating the Genocide Convention in relation to Palestinians in Gaza.
South Africa argued that Israel’s military operations, along with widespread killings, destruction of infrastructure, and the imposition of harsh living conditions on Gaza’s population, could constitute acts of genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
In January 2024, the ICJ issued provisional measures, stating that some of the rights South Africa sought to protect were “plausible,” and ordered Israel to take steps to prevent acts that could fall under genocide and to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. According to Hamas, Israel has failed to comply with these orders.
South Africa later requested additional measures, and the court issued further rulings in March and May 2024 to strengthen the provisional measures in light of the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The case remains ongoing, and several countries have joined the proceedings by submitting requests to intervene or legal opinions supporting one side or interpreting the Genocide Convention. A final ruling is expected to take years.
Separately, Hamas expressed strong appreciation for Oman’s position rejecting normalization with Israel. The Movement praised comments by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who said that Oman “will not normalize relations with Israel and will not join the Peace Council.”
Hamas described Oman’s stance as “honorable,” saying it reflects the country’s understanding, both government and people, of the risks associated with normalization initiatives that bypass Palestinian rights and strengthen Israeli dominance in the region.
The Movement also renewed its call for countries to sever relations with Israel and increase support for the Palestinian people and their national cause.
Earlier this week, Al Busaidi reaffirmed that Oman’s position toward Israel remains unchanged. Speaking to editors of local newspapers, he said the current war aims to weaken Iran, reshape the region, push normalization forward, and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
He suggested the war may end soon, but warned that the region must prepare for the worst-case scenarios. He also noted that broader geopolitical plans are unfolding in the region and that Iran is not the only target.
Al Busaidi stressed that Oman remains committed to its foreign policy principles despite the serious developments in the region, adding that Muscat continues to work toward ending the war and returning to diplomacy.
