Israel is set to address accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) following an urgent plea from South Africa for a cease-fire in Gaza. This marks the third time the ICJ is holding hearings on the Israel-Hamas conflict since South Africa initiated legal proceedings in December.
South Africa emphasized the dire situation in Gaza, urging the ICJ judges to intervene promptly. The country demanded Israel's complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, citing the threat to the survival of Palestinians in the region.
Israel has refuted claims of genocide, asserting its efforts to minimize civilian casualties and target only Hamas militants. The focus has been on Rafah, identified as a key stronghold of the militant group.
Earlier this year, the ICJ instructed Israel to take measures to prevent loss of life and destruction in Gaza but stopped short of halting the military offensive. The court has acknowledged the grave risk faced by Palestinians in Gaza due to Israel's military actions.
South Africa's legal team sees this as a critical moment for the ICJ to act decisively. While the court possesses broad authority to enforce a cease-fire and other measures, it lacks its enforcement mechanism.
Notably, the court's 2022 order for Russia to cease its invasion of Ukraine remains unheeded. The conflict in Gaza has led to the displacement of a significant portion of the population, with over 2.3 million people affected since the onset of hostilities.
The conflict began with a Hamas incursion into southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 35,000 Palestinian fatalities during the war, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants.
South Africa's legal action against Israel is deeply rooted in its historical identity, drawing parallels between Israeli policies in Gaza and the apartheid era in South Africa. The African National Congress, South Africa's ruling party, has equated Israeli actions with the oppressive apartheid regime that ended in 1994.
Egypt has announced its intention to join the case, with other countries expressing interest in intervening. To date, Libya, Nicaragua, and Colombia have formally requested to participate in the proceedings.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP's coverage.
