UN tribunal to rule on injunction against Israel’s Gaza operation

The highest court of the UN will announce its ruling on Friday regarding South Africa’s plea for temporary measures in a genocide lawsuit against Israel

The International Court of Justice, the top judicial body of the United Nations, is set to deliver a ruling on Friday regarding South Africa’s request for interim measures in a case accusing Israel of genocide.

The case alleges that Israel’s military actions in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza amount to genocide, a claim strongly denied by Israel. The court’s decision, which is a preliminary step in the legal proceedings, will be announced in The Hague, Netherlands. South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor will be present at the ruling to represent the country. 

Following a series of deadly incidents, including a significant loss of civilian lives, Israel initiated a large-scale military offensive in Gaza. Despite its usual stance of boycotting international tribunals and U.N. investigations, Israel sent a high-level legal team to the court hearings, indicating the seriousness with which it views the case and its potential impact on the country’s international reputation. 

If the court grants any or all of South Africa’s requests for provisional measures, it remains uncertain whether Israel will comply. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a high number of casualties and mass displacement, with significant destruction and a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. 

It’s important to note that Friday’s ruling will not address the substance of South Africa’s allegations, as Israel still has the opportunity to contest the court’s jurisdiction and the admissibility of the case before any further legal proceedings. During the hearings, South African lawyers argued that Israel’s military actions and statements from senior officials demonstrate an intent to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, drawing parallels to South Africa’s own history under apartheid rule. 

Source: Newsroom