The Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip has reached a devastating milestone, with the death toll surpassing 26,000, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. Since the conflict began on October 7, more than 64,400 people have been wounded in the ongoing violence. This grim update comes as the International Court of Justice prepares to announce its decision on whether to order Israel to halt its offensive in the Palestinian territory.
One of the key factors driving this legal battle is South Africa's accusation of genocide against Israel. The South African government has asked the world court in The Hague, Netherlands, to impose interim measures that would require Israel to stop its offensive, provide access to aid for Gaza residents, and take reasonable measures to prevent genocide. Israel, on the other hand, has vehemently denied committing genocide and has urged the court to dismiss the case.
In response to the impending court ruling, a Palestinian delegation plans to be present in The Hague. The preliminary decisions in South Africa's genocide case against Israel will be delivered on Friday. While the ruling is expected to focus on South Africa's request for interim measures to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, the overall case is anticipated to take several years to conclude.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has acknowledged the urgency of the situation on the ground and stated that the quick decision by the court reflects this urgency. Meanwhile, a senior official with Hamas, Osama Hamdan, has declared that the group will abide by a court-ordered cease-fire if one is called for. Hamdan also expressed Hamas' readiness to release remaining hostages if Israel releases Palestinian prisoners. However, he highlighted that the hostages would only return home if there is a comprehensive cease-fire and warned that any delays or procrastination would lead to further deaths among Israelis.
The dire situation in Gaza was underscored by Israeli airstrikes on a refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, which resulted in the deaths of 15 Palestinians, including an infant. Seven members of the Rawah family, including a 5-month-old baby, were among the victims. The Israeli military has been expanding its assault on the southern half of war-stricken Gaza, particularly focusing on Khan Younis, the second-largest city in Gaza.
Amidst the ongoing violence, it is crucial to highlight the staggering number of casualties. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that more than 26,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the conflict, with 64,487 individuals wounded. The ministry does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its death toll, but has noted that approximately two-thirds of those killed were women and children. The Israeli offensive has caused significant destruction throughout Gaza over the course of the nearly four-month-long war.
As South Africa anxiously awaits the court's interim ruling, the country's foreign ministry has issued a statement demanding that Israel immediately cease its military operations in Gaza. South Africa also calls for measures to prevent the genocide of Palestinians and ensure access to humanitarian assistance for those affected. The statement further emphasizes the need for Israel to take necessary steps to hold those involved in the alleged genocide accountable and preserve evidence.
In the pursuit of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor will attend the ruling at The Hague. Recently, Pandor spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the protection of civilians in Gaza and the provision of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. The ongoing objective remains to achieve lasting regional peace that secures Israel's security while advancing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The Israel-Hamas war continues to take its toll on both Palestinians and Israelis. As the International Court of Justice delivers its preliminary decisions, the hope is that measures will be implemented to alleviate the suffering in Gaza and pave the way for a more peaceful resolution to the conflict.
