The legal stage is set, and the spotlight is on Israel and South Africa as they brace for a showdown at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Israel accuses South Africa of colluding with Hamas
Israel is gearing up to counter South Africa’s bold accusation of genocide in its conflict with Hamas – a move that’s more gripping than a courtroom drama.
An Israeli government spokesperson, amidst the rising tension, has accused South Africa of siding with Hamas, the group Israel holds responsible for igniting the war.
“The state of Israel will appear before the International Court of Justice at The Hague to dispel South Africa’s absurd blood libel,” stated Eylon Levy, echoing the drama of this international legal face-off.
South Africa’s stance, in Israel’s view, gives “political and legal cover” to Hamas’ attacks, which triggered a three-month-long war. Levy’s statement resonates with a stern warning,
“We assure South Africa’s leaders, history will judge you, and it will judge you without mercy.”
When is the ICJ hearing?
Meanwhile, South Africa, not shying away from the legal limelight, asserts that the scale of death, destruction, and humanitarian crisis in Gaza crosses the threshold of the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Clayson Monyela, a spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, confirmed that their legal team is gearing up for the ICJ hearing scheduled for Thursday, 11 and Friday, 12 January 2024.
This bold move is a clear indication of South Africa’s longstanding support for Palestinian statehood and its comparison of Palestinians’ treatment to the apartheid era in South Africa – a parallel that Israel strongly rejects.
The backdrop of this legal drama is the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Reports reveal that Israeli forces have been actively engaged in the southern part of Gaza, with recent bombardments in Khan Younis resulting in numerous casualties.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported several deaths and injuries at its headquarters due to Israeli strikes. The Palestinian Ministry of Health tallies the death toll from the Israeli assault on Gaza at over 22,000.
This legal battle at the ICJ is not just about the present accusations; it’s a reflection of the deep-rooted, complex relationship between Israel and South Africa.
Their diplomatic ties have been significantly strained, particularly with South Africa’s vocal support for the Palestinian cause.
This ICJ application is the latest chapter in a long story of political and ideological clashes, with both nations standing firm in their respective narratives.