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ICJ ruling on South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel for genocide
South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Director-General Zane Dangor, South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor and South African Ambassador to the Netherlands Vusimuzi Madonsela stand as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rule on emergency measures against Israel following accusations by South Africa that the Israeli military operation in Gaza is a state-led genocide, in The Hague, Netherlands, January 26, 2024. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw
On Friday, the Hague’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) pronounced its ruling on the charges South Africa brought against Israel for genocide. Although the verdict was considered a step forward for supporters of the case brought by South Africa with presiding Judge Joan Donoghue ordering Israel to prevent acts of genocide, the ruling fell short of ordering a ceasefire.
The Court also ordered that the State of Israel “take immediate and effective measures to ensure the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip”.
On December 29, South Africa filed a lawsuit with the ICJ requesting an injunction against Israel on the grounds that Israel’s attacks on Gaza violate the Genocide Convention.
Upon the announcement of the Court’s ruling, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expects Israel to abide by the decision saying in a televised statement, “after more than half a century of occupation, dispossession, possession and apartheid, the Palestinians cries for justice have been heeded by an eminent organ of the United Nations”.
Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s response, in his own televised address, was that the charges were “outrageous”, reiterating the State of Israel’s commitment to international law and to defending its people. Israel denied having committed genocide and had attempted to have the ICJ dismiss the case.
The core of the case – whether genocide has already been committed in Gaza – is expected to take time, leaving Palestinian supporters concerned this ruling will not deter Israel from its offensive.
The Israeli military has expanded its offensive in the South and Central Gaza, pushing more people South towards the border city of Rafa. 1.5 million people are crowded in and around Rafa, causing concern amid humanitarian agencies that living conditions are worsening, aid is too sparse, and disease is spreading among survivors.
