Genocide case against Israel at ICJ 'pivotal moment' for int'l system: Palestinian official

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) – South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is a "pivotal moment" for the international system to provide hope to humanity, a Palestinian official said on Thursday.

Addressing a joint press conference with South Africa's delegation following the hearing in The Hague, Ammar Hijazi, the assistant minister for multilateral affairs of the State of Palestine, said South Africa presented “damning evidence” confirming the "irreparable harm" that Palestinian people are going through due to "Israel's violation of the Genocide Convention."

Describing the day as "historic not only for Palestine but for humanity and for the whole international rules-based system," Hijazi said Palestine values and appreciates the "historic" action taken by South Africa by requesting the ICJ to intervene to suspend the "genocidal war launched by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza."

“This is a pivotal moment for the international system. South Africa took a bold and proactive step on behalf of humanity to protect the Palestinian people and ensure that the Genocide Convention and international law do not become completely irrelevant, which is a prospect that must terrify all of us,” he maintained.

He warned that humanity is at a crossroads and added: "The case before the ICJ is a test to the international system. It is a moment of naked truth and an opportunity to provide hope to humanity at a time when it's sorely needed."

"Leaders have a historic responsibility and their actions will be judged by history," he stated.

- South Africa's demands

The South African delegation called on Israel to "immediately suspend" its military operations in and against Gaza during its three-hour oral arguments, demanding ICJ to impose provisional measures on Israel.

The delegation stressed the immediate suspension of Israel's operations is "the only way to secure humanitarian response and avoid getting more unnecessary death and destruction."

It also urged the Israeli government to take "all reasonable measures within their power to prevent genocide," while ensuring no "furtherance of military operations" by the forces under its control or influence.

Israel should take measures including rescinding relevant orders of restrictions, prohibitions to prevent expulsion, and forced displacement of Gazans, it requested.

The delegation also demanded that Israel allow access to humanitarian assistance in Gaza, including adequate shelter, clothes, hygiene, sanitation and medical supplies.

Furthermore, South Africa asked Israel to take "effective measures" to ensure the preservation of evidence related to allegations of genocidal acts.

- Public hearings commence

Public hearings in the genocide case against Israel began on Thursday at ICJ in The Hague.

On the first day of the trial, South Africa presented hard evidence in the case it filed on Dec. 29, accusing Israel of genocide and violation of the UN Genocide Convention with its actions in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7.

The South African side is requesting an injunction by the top UN court to halt Israel's military assault on Gaza, which has dragged on for more than three months, with the death toll rising to over 23,300.

The 84-page filing by South Africa accuses Israel of acts and omissions "genocidal in character, as they are committed with the requisite specific intent … to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a part of the broader Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group."

It said Israel's genocidal acts include the killing of Palestinians, causing them serious bodily and mental harm, mass expulsion from homes and displacement, imposing measures intended to prevent Palestinian births, and deprivation of access to adequate food, water, shelter, sanitation, and medical assistance.

The South African delegation is being led by Justice Minister Ronald Lamola and will be joined by senior political figures from progressive political parties and movements across the globe.

Thursday's hearing will be followed by Israel's arguments in its defense the next day.