Palestinian Ministry Urges ICJ to Fast-Track Case Against Israel’s Actions in Gaza
The Foreign Ministry of the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority has called on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to expedite its review of a case brought by South Africa against Israel, alleging “genocidal” acts in the Gaza Strip. South Africa’s case, filed on Friday, accuses Israel of violating the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, particularly in its treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.
The Palestinian ministry highlighted that both South Africa and Palestine are signatories to the Genocide Convention. The case centers on Israel’s alleged breach of Articles 2 and 3 of the convention, with South Africa arguing that Israel, “since 7 October 2023 in particular, has failed to prevent genocide and has failed to prosecute the direct and public incitement to genocide” and “has engaged in, is engaging in and risks further engaging in genocidal acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
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Hamas, the armed group that rules the Gaza Strip and that began the current war by carrying out unprecedented atrocities against civilians in southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people and taking around 250 people hostage on October 7, has encouraged other nations to file similar legal actions against Israel, claiming that its actions threaten global peace and security. The ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations established in June 1945, is tasked with handling such international legal disputes.
In its application to the UN court, South Africa asserts that Israel’s conduct through its state organs and agents amounts to genocide. It seeks provisional measures from the ICJ to prevent further harm to Palestinians under the Genocide Convention and ensure Israel’s compliance with its obligations to prevent and punish genocide.
