South Africa accuses Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip – a lengthy trial is ongoing before the International Court of Justice. But he is already deciding today on an urgent request to end the military operation immediately.
Amid the heavy fighting in the Gaza Strip, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague today announced the first decision in the genocide case against Israel. This is not yet about the main accusation of genocide, but rather an urgent application for protective measures for the Palestinian population.
According to the court, the decision will be announced at 1 p.m. South Africa is demanding that the UN court urgently order Israel to immediately end its military operation in the Gaza Strip for violating the Genocide Convention.
Decision could increase pressure on Israel
However, it will probably still be years before a final judgment is reached in the main proceedings. Decisions of the Court are binding. However, he has no means to enforce it.
Nevertheless, a rebuke from the UN supreme court would increase political pressure on Israel. The judges can also order that Israel report on measures taken to protect Palestinians. That would also have a considerable external impact.
Israel rejects allegations
South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel at the end of December, accusing the country of violating the Genocide Convention. It is the first time that Israel has had to face genocide charges before the UN court. Israel, the USA and the German federal government consider the lawsuit to be unfounded.
At the hearing in the Peace Palace in The Hague about two weeks ago, Israel’s representative firmly rejected the allegations. “Israel is at war with Hamas, but not with the Palestinian people,” Israeli Foreign Ministry legal advisor Tal Becker said. Israel also rejected calls for an end to the military operation. The reason given was that this would deprive the country of its right to self-defense.
Hamas massacre triggered the war
The reason for the Gaza war was a devastating massacre by the terrorist organization Hamas and other extremists on October 7, 2023 in Israel. According to Israeli figures, 1,140 people were killed and around 250 were kidnapped from Israel – around half are still in the hands of Hamas.
Israel responded with a major offensive on the Gaza Strip. According to Hamas information that cannot be independently verified, over 25,000 people have been killed there so far. Israel blames the terrorist organization for the victims and suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.