Breaking: South Africa accuses Israel of Genocide Convention violations at International Court of Justice

South Africa filed a case against Israel for alleged violations of the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice on Friday.

According to the application submitted by South Africa, “acts and omissions by Israel... are 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 adds that “the conduct of Israel- through its State organs, State agents, and other persons and entities acting on its instructions or under its direction, control or influence- in relation to Palestinians in Gaza, is in violation of its obligations under the Genocide Convention”.

According to the application, since 7 October, Israel has "failed to prevent genocide and has failed to prosecute the direct and public incitement to genocide".

South Africa has requested that the ICJ indicate provisional measures in order to “protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention”.

Additionally, it wants a guarantee that Israel adheres to its responsibilities as per the Genocide Convention, which includes not committing genocide, and ensuring the prevention and punishment of genocide.