South Africa and Israel are set to appear at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, where South Africa accuses Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The case, filed in December, alleges Israel’s failure to uphold obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. South Africa seeks emergency measures, including a suspension of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza during the case.
The offensive, initiated after a cross-border incident in October, has devastated Gaza, displacing nearly all of its 2.3 million residents.
South Africa, historically supportive of the Palestinian cause, urges the court to address Israel’s alleged shortcomings in providing humanitarian assistance. Israel maintains its commitment to international law, asserting that military actions target Hamas.
A ruling on emergency measures is anticipated later this month, while a judgment on genocide allegations may take years. The ICJ’s decisions are final, though enforcement mechanisms are lacking.
