What are the charges focused on?
In the 84-page document, South Africa argues that by killing Palestinians in Gaza, inflicting serious mental and physical harm on them and creating living conditions “calculated to bring about their physical destruction,” Israel is committing genocide.
The report noted that essential food, water, medicine, fuel, shelter and other humanitarian aid were not delivered to Gaza during the war, which lasted more than three months.
“All of these actions are being carried out by Israel, which has failed to prevent genocide and is committing genocide in clear violation of the Genocide Convention,” the lawsuit said, citing Reuters.
“These genocidal intentions are clear in the way the war is being conducted,” defends lawyer Thembeka Ngcukaitobi, recalling the more than 23,000 deaths caused by the Israeli offensive and the obstacles created to the flow of humanitarian aid. “The evidence of genocidal intent is overwhelming and overwhelming,” he concluded.
What is the International Court of Justice?
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, is the highest legal body of the United Nations that can resolve disputes between member states. It is separate from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which tries individuals in criminal cases, explains Al Jazeera.
Court decisions are binding and cannot be appealed by member states, but their implementation depends on the UN Security Council.
How long will the trial last?
In accordance with Al JazeeraThe court’s decision is expected to be made public within a few weeks, but the process could take much longer.
Deliberations at the International Court of Justice are a painstaking process involving detailed written presentations followed by oral arguments and counter-arguments by a panel of senior lawyers representing each state. Experts say a verdict in the case could take three to four years.
What are the South African requirements?
South Africa is asking the International Court of Justice to take measures to prevent Israel from committing further war crimes in the Palestinian enclave.
The African country argues that the interim measures are necessary to prevent further, serious and irreparable damage to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention.
What are Israel’s arguments?
In announcing the trial, Israel called the case “cruel and absurd”, guaranteeing that it had made every effort to avoid civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.
Israel accused South Africa of “hypocrisy” and “acting as the legitimate wing of Hamas,” failing to mention that terrorists from the group “destroyed, executed, murdered, burned alive, raped and kidnapped hundreds of Israelis on October 7 and that Israel has the right to defend itself.” “
This Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured that “no one will stop” Israel in the war against Hamas. At a press conference, he assured that the country is on the path to victory.
What is the position of the international community?
Some countries, such as Malaysia, Turkey and Jordan, support the process initiated by South Africa. The European Union remains silent.