THE HAGUE: South Africa has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, presenting its case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and urging the court to order an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations.
In the opening arguments of the two-day hearing, South African lawyers asserted that the ongoing conflict in Gaza is part of a prolonged oppression of Palestinians by Israel. The case is considered one of the most significant to be heard in an international court, investigating the real causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
South Africa is seeking binding preliminary orders from the ICJ to compel Israel to cease its military campaign in Gaza, where more than 23,357 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 7, according to the health ministry.
“Genocides are never declared in advance, but this court has the benefit of the past 13 weeks of evidence that shows incontrovertibly a pattern of conduct and related intention that justifies as a plausible claim of genocidal acts,” stated South African lawyer Adila Hassim during the hearing at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
Israel maintained that it is engaged in a defensive operation against a formidable enemy in Gaza. Israel asserts that it adheres to international law and takes measures to minimize harm to civilians.
South Africa Accuses Israel of Deliberately Committing Genocide in Gaza
South Africa, however, contends that Israel deliberately committed genocide. Lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi emphasized, “The scale of destruction in Gaza, the targeting of family homes and civilians, the war being a war on children, all make clear that genocidal intent is both understood and has been put into practice.”
The case has broader implications, touching on Israel’s national identity and evoking comparisons with South Africa’s history under apartheid. Israel has sent a robust legal team to defend its military operations, underlining the gravity with which it considers the accusations.
A decision on the request for provisional measures is expected to take weeks, and the case itself is likely to extend over several years. While Israel vehemently denies the allegations, the court’s order to halt operations, if issued, may lead to UN sanctions, potentially blocked by a US veto. Israel’s lawyers are scheduled to address the court on the second day of the hearing.
Ahead of the proceedings, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters called for an end to Israeli apartheid and a ceasefire. The protesters were waving the Palestinian flag in support of South Africa’s move.
Israel’s offensive has killed more than 23,357 people in Gaza, most of them women and children, according to Palestinian health officials in Gaza.
