South Africa has formally accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, presenting its case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The accusation is a significant challenge to Israel’s national identity, with South Africa urging the ICJ to order an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza.
During the opening arguments, South African lawyers argued that the latest Gaza war is part of decades of Israeli oppression against Palestinians. They presented evidence of a pattern of conduct that, according to them, amounts to a plausible claim of genocidal acts. The case is considered one of the most significant ever heard in an international court, delving into the core of the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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South Africa seeks preliminary orders to compel Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza, where over 23,000 people have died, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel denies the allegations, emphasizing its adherence to international law and blaming Hamas for operating in residential areas.
The Israeli leaders engaged with the court to defend their international reputation, a rare step as Israel often boycotts international tribunals, citing bias. The court’s findings are considered binding, but it remains unclear whether Israel would comply with any order to halt fighting. Potential UN sanctions could be vetoed by the US.
The case addresses the heart of Israeli identity and its creation as a Jewish state post-Holocaust. The dispute also draws parallels with South Africa’s history under apartheid, with the African National Congress comparing Israeli policies to its own past.
Israel, sending a strong legal team for its defense, is set to address the court later. The decision on South Africa’s request for provisional measures is expected in weeks, and the case is likely to extend over several years.
South Africa aims to broaden the case beyond the recent Israel-Hamas war, highlighting decades of systematic oppression and violence against Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his country’s actions, asserting they are not related to genocide.
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The ICJ has never judged a country responsible for genocide, and the case against Israel centers on the genocide convention established in 1948. Both Israel and South Africa were signatories to the convention.
Next month, Israel will face another ICJ session regarding a UN request for an advisory opinion on the legality of its policies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.”
