South Africa remains resolute in its decision to press forward with a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), according to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He announced that further evidence would be presented next month to support the case.
The case, initiated by South Africa in December 2023, claims that Israel’s military actions in Gaza, following the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, violated the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, which mandates the prevention and punishment of genocide. Israel has strongly denied the accusations.
In response to inquiries about the legal proceedings, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the case, indicating they are determined to move forward.
South Africa plans to submit a comprehensive report with facts and evidence to the ICJ next month, which reportedly spans hundreds of pages.
Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of halting what he described as genocide and called for both a ceasefire and the release of hostages taken during the conflict.
Several other nations, including Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Spain, and Turkey, have joined South Africa in supporting the case against Israel.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has drawn significant global attention, particularly following the events of October 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, leading to a widespread Israeli military response in Gaza.
The escalating violence has resulted in heavy casualties on both sides and has sparked international outrage and condemnation.
