The 'genocide' case against Israel begins in The Hague: South Africa had filed the complaint
The case brought by the Republic of South Africa against Israel on the grounds that it is "committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza" begins today at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
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South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice on December 29, 2023, on the grounds that it violated its obligations under the Genocide Convention, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, due to its attacks on the Gaza Strip.
The case in question began to be heard in The Hague today.
In its application, the Republic of South Africa stated that Israel's actions were "intended to bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and ethnic group," and included claims that Israel is killing Palestinians in Gaza, causing them serious bodily and mental harm, and subjecting them to dire living conditions calculated to bring about their physical destruction. The Republic of South Africa is demanding that Israel halt all its attacks in Gaza.
The High Court will address this request as a priority. South Africa will present its oral arguments regarding the case today. Israel, which rejects the accusations by arguing they are "baseless," will present its oral defense tomorrow.
Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the courthouse during the hearing in The Hague.
RESPONSE FROM HERZOG
Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the accusations as "abhorrent and preposterous," stating, "We will be at the International Court of Justice and we will present with pride our case of using self-defense under our inherent right under international humanitarian law."
Herzog also argued that the Israeli army is doing "everything possible" to avoid unintended consequences and civilian casualties under extremely complex conditions.