South Africa’s submission asserts that Israel is violating its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention through its military actions against Hamas in Gaza. Israel has strongly rejected the application, expressing “disgust” and accusing South Africa of collaborating with Hamas.
South Africa has taken its case against Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention through its military actions in Gaza. South Africa, alleging genocide, has called on Israel to cease its attacks on the Palestinian enclave.
The filing contends that Israel’s actions breach the Genocide Convention, a treaty established after the Holocaust, and requests the ICJ to issue provisional measures instructing Israel to halt its military campaign in Gaza to prevent further harm to the rights of the Palestinian people.
The petition asserts that Israel’s acts and omissions are genocidal, intending to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as part of the broader Palestinian national, racial, and ethnic group.
While the ICJ is the UN’s highest court for resolving disputes between nations, its rulings are not always adhered to. In a similar context, the court had ordered Russia to halt its military campaign in Ukraine in March 2022, a decision that was not complied with.
Israel has strongly rejected the filing, expressing “disgust” and dismissing it as a “blood libel.” Israel contends that the application lacks factual and legal basis and accuses South Africa of cooperating with the Hamas terrorist organization. Israel emphasizes its commitment to international law, minimizing harm to civilians, and facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry calls on the ICJ to reject South Africa’s “baseless claims.”
The ongoing conflict has strained relations between South Africa and Israel, leading to diplomatic tensions. South Africa recalled its ambassador and withdrew diplomatic staff, while the South African Parliament passed a resolution to sever diplomatic ties with Israel until it ceases its Gaza offensive. Israel reciprocated by recalling its ambassador to South Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in an international forum, accused Israel of war crimes and genocide in Gaza. The conflict continues to draw international attention, with calls for an urgent ceasefire.
