The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently reviewing a case brought by South Africa, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
South Africa’s submission alleges that Israel’s actions are intended to destroy a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial, and ethnic group.
The ICJ will provide an opinion on the genocide allegation, although it’s not a criminal trial.
Israel vehemently denies the accusation, calling it “baseless.” Outside the ICJ’s Peace Palace, clashes occurred between Palestinian and Israeli supporters.
South Africa presented its case, emphasizing Israel’s actions in Gaza, and called for urgent “provisional measures,” including the cessation of Israel’s military activities in Gaza.
The ICJ, as the UN’s top court, can issue legally binding opinions, but enforcement is challenging. The court ordered Russia to suspend military operations in Ukraine in 2022, a directive that was ignored.
Genocide, under international law, involves acts intending to destroy, in whole or part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
Unlike the International Criminal Court (ICC), the ICJ cannot prosecute individuals for crimes like genocide. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed opposition to the ongoing events in Gaza, driving the country to approach the ICJ.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog dismissed the accusations, asserting Israel’s case of self-defense under humanitarian law.
The ICJ may swiftly rule on South Africa’s request for Israel to halt its military campaign, but a final ruling on the genocide allegation might take years.
William Schabas, an international law professor, highlighted the low bar for the court to issue an injunction and the need for South Africa to demonstrate elements supporting its case.
Gaza has witnessed over 23,350 deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, since the war initiated after Hamas’s attacks on southern Israel.
In those attacks, around 1,300 people were killed, primarily civilians, with approximately 240 others taken hostage.
Source-BBC
