South Africa has escalated its condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza, filing a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The move comes as the death toll from Israel's bombardment of Gaza since October 7th surpasses 22,000. In a strongly worded accusation, South Africa alleges that Israel is engaged in a "genocidal" war, actively seeking to "destroy Palestinians in Gaza."
In its formal filing to the ICJ, the primary judicial body for the United Nations, South Africa asserts that Israel's actions are genocidal in nature, aiming to bring about the destruction of a significant portion of the Palestinian national, racial, and ethnic group. The case contends that Israel's conduct violates the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, a treaty to which Israel is a signatory.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has drawn parallels between Israel's treatment of Palestinians in the Occupied Territories and the racist apartheid system that existed in South Africa until its dismantling in 1994. Ramaphosa, expressing strong disapproval of Israel's assault on Gaza, had previously recalled South Africa's diplomats from Israel in November as a diplomatic response to the situation.
This legal action signals a significant international challenge to Israel's policies in Gaza, bringing the accusations of genocide to the forefront of global scrutiny. The ICJ case underscores South Africa's commitment to holding Israel accountable for alleged violations and seeks justice for the Palestinian population affected by the ongoing conflict.
