UN court hears South Africa genocide case against Israel today

South Africa has submitted a case to the UN’s International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The accusation claims that Israel’s actions are aimed at destroying a significant portion of the Palestinian national, racial, and ethnic group. South Africa also requests that the court order Israel to cease all military operations in Gaza.

While the ICJ will only provide an opinion on the genocide allegation, as this is not a criminal trial, the case is being closely monitored. Israel vehemently denies the accusation as groundless, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog stating that they will present their case of self-defense under humanitarian law. South Africa has been critical of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, drawing parallels between this conflict and their own struggle against apartheid. The ICJ, based in The Hague, could rule quickly on South Africa’s request to halt Israel’s military campaign, but a final ruling on the genocide allegation could take years.

It is important to note that while ICJ rulings are theoretically legally binding on ICJ member parties, including Israel and South Africa, they are not enforceable.