THE HAGUE: Public hearings in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel over Gaza war began on Thursday at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
On the first day of the trial, South Africa is going to present hard evidence in the case it filed on December. 29, alleging Israel of genocide and violation of the UN Genocide Convention with its acts in Gaza since October 7.
Earlier, dozens of Palestinians gathered in front of the statue of Nelson Mandela in the occupied West Bank to thank South Africa for bringing a “genocide” petition against Israel over its bombing of the Gaza Strip.
They waved Palestinian flags, listened to speeches and also held signs saying “Thank you South Africa” and “Stop the genocide”.
Hearings at the UN’s top court will begin on Thursday with South Africa expressing hope the judges will force Israel to stop its bombardment.
Gaza War: South Africa’s Genocide Case Against Israel Starts at ICJ
“It is very important to show gratitude to the people who realize our pain,” Ramallah mayor Issa Kassis said. The mayor maintained that they feel that South Africa listens to their heart.
South Africa’s African National Congress has long supported the cause of Palestine, often linking it to its own struggle against the apartheid government in South Africa.
Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan, Maldives, and Namibia have joined the list of nations expressing support for the genocide case filed against Israel by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The three nations each expressed their complete support for the case in speeches delivered during a UN General Assembly session.
Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN said in a statement via social media that Pakistan has welcomed South Africa’s effort to bring Israel’s transgressions under Genocide Convention to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). It added Pakistan also looks forward to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legal consequences arising from policies and practices of Israel in Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Other countries that have earlier expressed support for the case included Jordan, Bolivia, Turkey and Malaysia. The International Court of Justice will hold hearings of the case to consider provisional measures on Thursday and Friday in the current week.
