Israel has presented its defence at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), arguing the military necessity of its ongoing offensive in Gaza. The court is simultaneously evaluating a request from South Africa to mandate a halt to Israeli operations in Rafah and a withdrawal from Palestinian territories.
South Africa’s government submitted an “urgent request” to the ICJ, challenging Israel’s actions in Rafah, a city housing over one million displaced Palestinians. South Africa contends that Israel’s military activities violate the Genocide Convention, a serious allegation that Israel firmly denies.
In his address to the court, Gilad Noam, an official from the Israeli Justice Ministry, dismissed South Africa’s claims as “completely divorced from facts and circumstances.” He described the genocide accusation as a “heinous charge” and condemned the perceived misuse of the convention, which was established in the wake of the Holocaust.
The conflict in Gaza, which has persisted for several months, has led to significant casualties. Palestinian health officials report over 35,000 deaths and nearly 80,000 wounded. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with civilians suffering immensely amid the ongoing violence. As the ICJ deliberates, global attention is fixed on the potential outcomes, which many hope will address both security and humanitarian concerns.
The court’s decision is expected to have profound implications, not only for the conflict in Gaza but also for the broader interpretation of international law and political dynamics. The ruling will determine whether Israel’s actions are deemed justified or if they constitute a violation of the Genocide Convention. Additionally, South Africa has criticised the ICJ for allegedly not taking the case seriously, further intensifying the controversy surrounding this case and the conflict as a whole.