Israel vehemently refuted accusations of genocide, affirming to the highest court of the United Nations that it was exerting maximum effort to safeguard civilians amid its military actions in Gaza. The International Court of Justice concluded its third set of hearings on urgent measures requested by South Africa, which contends that Israel’s military intervention in Rafah endangers the existence of Palestinians in Gaza and has urged the court to mandate a cessation of hostilities.
“Israel takes extraordinary measures to minimize the harm to civilians in Gaza,” Rafah told The Hague-based court. Tamar Kaplan-Tourgeman, part of Israel’s legal representation, justified the nation’s actions by highlighting its provision of fuel and medicine to the distressed region. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) possesses extensive authority to mandate a ceasefire and implement other measures, although it lacks enforcement mechanisms. Despite the court’s 2022 directive ordering Russia to halt its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this mandate has not been adhered to. Since the onset of the conflict, a significant portion of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced.
South Africa launched legal proceedings in December 2023, viewing the legal initiative as deeply tied to its core identity. The African National Congress, its ruling party, has drawn parallels between Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank and South Africa’s historical experience under the apartheid system of white minority governance, which confined many Black individuals to designated “homelands.”
The conflict commenced with a Hamas assault on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the capture of around 250 hostages by Palestinian militants. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that over 35,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, with no differentiation made between civilians and combatants in the tally.
