South Africa Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza, Seeks Emergency Suspension at ICJ

In a two-day hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), South Africa accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and urged the UN’s top court to order an emergency suspension of Israel’s military campaign in the region. The accusation came amid Israel’s offensive, which has caused substantial destruction in Gaza, resulting in over 23,000 casualties according to Gaza health authorities. South Africa argued that Israel’s intention was the “destruction of the population” of Gaza, and accused political and military leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of being “genocidal inciters.”

Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, advocate of the High Court of South Africa, stated that the evidence of genocidal intent was “overwhelming and incontrovertible” and that the military attack was conducted with the intent to destroy Gaza. Israel vehemently rejected these accusations, calling them false and baseless. Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that Israel was fighting against terrorists who committed crimes against humanity.

South Africa demanded the ICJ order emergency measures to stop the war, emphasizing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The court is set to listen to Israel’s response, and a ruling on possible emergency measures is expected later this month. However, the ICJ will not decide on the genocide allegations at this stage, with those proceedings potentially taking years. South Africa’s historical defense of the Palestinian cause has influenced its stance in this case, highlighting its continued commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights on the international stage.

Genocide in Gaza

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