South Africa files genocide charges against Israel in ICJ

South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice to start proceedings on charges of genocide by Israel during its war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the court announced on Friday.

 

South Africa's request came as the Israeli army announced on Friday that it was expanding its operations in the southern Gaza Strip, where they had previously sought refuge for civilians. He also claimed to have destroyed several tunnels and one of the "secret apartments" of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. 

Context of application

In its petition, South Africa accused Israel of "violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention" and stated that "Israel's actions and omissions ... are of a genocidal nature because they involve specific destination". "Yes," he said. Palestinians in Gaza. “According to the International Court of Justice.

"South Africa is deeply concerned about the situation of civilians affected by Israel's ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip, indiscriminate use of force and displacement of residents," the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa, said on Friday. said in a statement. It has been said.

According to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, more than 21,507 people have died in the Gaza Strip since October 7. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East said at least 308 people who sought refuge in United Nations shelters were among the dead.

"Furthermore, international crimes continue to be reported, including crimes against humanity and war crimes, as well as violations of the standards for genocide or related crimes set out in the Convention on Prevention and Punishment 1948. "The genocide described took place in the context of ongoing genocide in Gaza and may continue," the report said.

"As a party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, South Africa has a treaty obligation to prevent the crime of genocide."

According to the International Court of Justice, both South Africa and Israel are members of the Genocide Convention, also known as the International Court of Justice and the chief judicial organ of the United Nations.

 

Israel's response to complain

Israel rejected South Africa's claims and its complaint to the International Court of Justice and said through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs that South Africa "attempts to destroy the state of Israel and its statements have no factual or legal basis".

"Israel is bound by international law and acts in accordance with international law, directing its military efforts against the terrorist organization Hamas and terrorist organizations," the statement said. others cooperate with Hamas. Non-intervention and allow the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.