South Africa accuses Israel of genocide at UN court amid Gaza conflict

South Africa accuses Israel of violating the UN Genocide Convention and war crimes, seeking to halt military operations in Gaza, potentially leading to political pressure and sanctions

South Africa has accused Israel of breaching the United Nations Genocide Convention and committing several war crimes, presenting its case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday to halt Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The move comes in the wake of the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack, which Israel argues justifies its response.

Pretoria’s Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola, emphasized that no armed attack could justify breaches of the Genocide Convention. Israel’s response to the Oct 7. attack, according to Lamola, has crossed a line and led to alleged violations of the convention.

The Gaza conflict erupted following an unprecedented attack by Hamas, resulting in about 1,140 casualties in Israel, predominantly civilians. In response, Israel initiated a relentless military campaign, causing the death of at least 23,357 people in Gaza, mainly women and children, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

At the Peace Palace in The Hague, South Africa argued that Israel’s actions constitute a violation of its commitments under the U.N. Genocide Convention, signed in 1948 in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Adila Hassim, South Africa’s lead lawyer, contended that Israel’s bombing campaign aimed at the “destruction of Palestinian life” and had pushed Palestinians “to the brink of famine.”

South Africa, a fellow signatory to the treaty, holds the right to take Israel to the ICJ, often referred to as the “World Court.” The African National Congress (ANC), a firm supporter of the Palestinian cause, has historically linked it to its struggle against the white-minority government that had ties with Israel.

Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, dismissed the accusations as “atrocious and preposterous” and hinted at presenting a case of self-defense under international humanitarian law. The U.S. is backing Israel, describing the charges as “unfounded.”

In this urgent procedure, the ICJ could reach a verdict in a matter of weeks. While its rulings are final and cannot be appealed, countries don’t always adhere to the court’s decisions. Notably, the court previously ordered Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine.

A ruling against Israel could elevate political pressure on the country, potentially leading to sanctions. However, legal experts suggest that the court may not address the fundamental aspects of the case at this stage, with a comprehensive evaluation likely taking years.

In The Hague, Dutch police managed rival demonstrations, with pro-Israeli protesters marching through the streets while pro-Palestinian supporters called for an end to “Israel apartheid.” The outcome of this legal battle will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the ongoing conflict in the region.

Source: AFP Newsroom