South Africa approached the International Court of Justice to seek emergency measures to stop Israel’s military operation in Rafah, Gaza. This was the third time the court held hearings on the conflict after South Africa filed proceedings in December. The country accused Israel of genocide and called for a cease-fire in Gaza. The court has previously acknowledged the risk to the Palestinian people in Gaza due to Israeli military operations. South Africa urged the court to act swiftly, pointing out that this may be the last chance for them to intervene.
Israel has strongly denied committing genocide in Gaza, stating that it targets Hamas militants and takes measures to protect civilians. South Africa argues that the military operation in Rafah has gone beyond justified self-defense and is part of a plan to destroy Gaza. Following previous orders from the court to prevent death, destruction, and genocide in Gaza, Israel will have the opportunity to respond to the accusations. Most of Gaza’s population has been displaced since the fighting began, with casualties rising on both sides of the conflict.
South Africa’s legal campaign against Israel is deeply rooted in issues central to its identity, with parallels drawn between Israel’s actions in Gaza and the apartheid regime’s policies in South Africa. The African National Congress, South Africa’s governing party, has likened Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to apartheid-era segregation. Egypt has announced plans to join the case against Israel, citing violations of international law and humanitarian laws. Other countries, including Libya, Nicaragua, and Colombia, have expressed intentions to intervene in the case as well.
The court has broad powers to order a cease-fire and other measures, but lacks enforcement mechanisms. A previous order by the court demanding Russia to cease its invasion of Ukraine went unheeded. South Africa believes that the military operation in Rafah amounts to a brutal attack on the people of Gaza, and is seeking urgent action to prevent further destruction. The current request focuses on the incursion into Rafah, stating that previous court orders were not enough to address the situation.
Israel has maintained that its actions in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, are necessary for its security and to combat Hamas militants. The country claims that Rafah is the last stronghold of the militant group, justifying its military operation. Despite denials of genocide, Israel will have the opportunity to respond to South Africa’s accusations during the court proceedings. With thousands of Palestinians killed and displaced due to the conflict, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and the court’s potential intervention.
