THE HAGUE – In a dramatic appeal to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday, South Africa accused Israel of escalating what it termed a “genocide” in Gaza. South Africa’s representative, Vusimuzi Madonsela, urged the court to issue an immediate ceasefire to halt Israel’s assault on Rafah.
Addressing the ICJ, Madonsela expressed South Africa’s deep concerns, stating, “South Africa had hoped, when we last appeared before this court, to halt this genocidal process to preserve Palestine and its people. Instead, Israel’s genocide has continued apace and has just reached a new and horrific stage.”
The plea marks the beginning of two days of hearings at the Peace Palace in The Hague. South Africa is imploring the ICJ judges to mandate a ceasefire across Gaza to prevent further violence and loss of life.
Israel is scheduled to present its response on Friday. Previously, Israel has strongly defended its actions, emphasizing its “unwavering” commitment to upholding international law. Israeli representatives have dismissed South Africa’s accusations as “wholly unfounded” and “morally repugnant.”
The current proceedings follow a significant ICJ ruling in January, which commanded Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent genocidal acts and facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, the court refrained from ordering a full ceasefire. South Africa’s current argument hinges on the worsening conditions on the ground, particularly highlighting the military operations in Rafah as necessitating renewed ICJ intervention.
The outcome of these hearings could have profound implications for the ongoing conflict and the international community’s approach to the crisis in Gaza.
Published in cherrygb, May 17th, 2024