From the Palestine Chronicle Staff

On December 29, the South African government brought the case against Israel to the ICJ, accusing it of “acts of genocide” in its military campaign in Gaza.

South Africa is to submit a comprehensive memorandum against Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday, aimed at supporting claims that Israel is committing genocide in Palestine, diplomatic sources told Anadolu on Sunday.

South African news outlet Daily Maverick confirmed the news, noting that a memorial “is part of the written pleadings before the ICJ and, in accordance with Article 49(1) of the Rules of Court, “will contain a statement of relevant facts. , a statement of law and the applicant’s submissions.”

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, in a recent interview with the Daily Maverick, said South Africa’s memorial contained ample evidence in “forensic detail” to argue that “this is not only a plausible case of genocide, but in – it’s really a genocide”.

‘Collective conscience’ – South Africa’s Justice Minister calls for global solidarity with Palestine

According to the report, after the filing of the memorial, the defendant, Israel, will be required to file a counter-memorial by July 28 next year.

According to the Court’s rules, a countermemorial must include “an admission or denial of the facts stated in the memorial; any additional facts, if necessary; comments on the statement of rights in the memorial; a statement of right in response thereto; and depositions.”

On December 29, the South African government brought the case against Israel to the ICJ, accusing it of “acts of genocide” in its military campaign in Gaza.

Public hearings on South Africa’s application were held on 11 and 12 January.

In January, the ICJ called on Israel to avoid actions that could lead to genocide and to facilitate humanitarian access to Gaza.

A few weeks later, South Africa requested additional measures in response to Israel’s announced intention to attack Rafah, but the court rejected this request.

‘Can’t be justified’ – South Africa says forced displacement of Rafah residents illegal

In early March, South Africa renewed its request for emergency measures against Israel.

Later that month, the court ordered Israel to ensure the delivery of “urgent humanitarian aid” to Gaza in light of the “famine that has begun to spread” in the war-torn Strip.

Genocide in progress

In violation of a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza.

Currently on trial before the International Court of Justice for genocide against the Palestinians, Israel has been waging a devastating war in Gaza since October 7.

According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, 42,924 Palestinians were KILLEDand 100,833 injured in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza as of October 7, 2023.

Moreover, at least 11,000 people are missing, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes throughout the Strip.

Heavy bombing of Gaza leaves civilians trapped as the death toll continues to rise

Israel says 1,200 soldiers and civilians were killed during the October 7 Al-Aqsa flood operation. Israeli media published reports suggesting that many Israelis were killed that day by “friendly fire”.

Palestinian and international organizations say most of those killed and injured are women and children.

The Israeli war led to an acute famine, especially in northern Gaza, which resulted in the death of many Palestinians, most of them children.

The Israeli aggression has also led to the forced displacement of nearly two million people from across the Gaza Strip, with the vast majority of the displaced forced into the densely populated southern city of Rafah, near the border with Egypt – in what has become the most sea ​​from Palestine. mass exodus since the Nakba of 1948.

Later in the war, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians began moving from southern Gaza to central Gaza in a constant search for safety.

(PC, Anatolia)