South Africa reviews Israel’s submission in Gaza genocide case at ICJ

Pretoria evaluates Israel’s legal response as proceedings continue at the International Court of Justice over alleged violations of the Genocide Convention. South Africa says it is reviewing Israel’s response submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the genocide case related to the conflict in Gaza. In a statement, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that Israel filed its response on March 12 to South Africa’s written pleadings under the Genocide Convention . Authorities said the government will examine the submission before deciding whether to file additional written arguments or move directly to the oral phase of proceedings . South African officials also warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical despite several binding rulings issued by the ICJ . The court previously ordered Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide and allow humanitarian assistance while urging steps to reduce violence in the territory. Pretoria also cautioned that the continuing destruction and loss of life in Gaza, combined with growing tensions in the Gulf and Israeli strikes in Lebanon , could further widen the regional conflict. South Africa filed the case at the ICJ on December 29, 2023 , accusing Israel of violating the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide . Since then, the court has issued three provisional orders in 2024 , requiring Israel to prevent genocidal acts, ensure its military avoids such actions, halt operations in Rafah that could create genocidal conditions, and report regularly to the court. Source: Newstimehub South Africa ICJ case Gaza conflict Israel genocide case international law