ICJ Ho Hear South Africa’s Case On Israeli Actions

An Israeli government official stated on Tuesday that Israel will present its case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to counter South Africa’s accusations of Palestinian genocide in Gaza. The hearing is scheduled for January 11 and 12, as confirmed by Clayson Monyela, a representative of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

South Africa sought an urgent decision from the ICJ last Friday, asserting that Israel’s actions against Hamas breached its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. In response, Israel’s spokesperson, Eylon Levy, announced during an online briefing that the country would appear before the ICJ to refute what he referred to as South Africa’s “absurd blood libel.”

Read more : South Africa Lodges Genocide Complaint Against Israel

The conflict originated when Hamas initiated a cross-border strike on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 reported casualties according to Israel. In retaliation, Israel launched air and ground attacks, leading to over 22,000 reported Palestinian deaths, according to Palestinian health officials. The Ministry claims that 70% of the deceased in Gaza are women and individuals under the age of 18. Israel disputes these casualty figures, asserting that it has targeted 8,000 fighters and rejecting the Palestinian fatality statistics.

South Africa has filed a lawsuit before the UN’s top court, comparing Israel’s military operation in Gaza to genocide. The upcoming ICJ hearing will provide a platform for Israel to challenge and counter these allegations.