South Africa has recruited a team of elite lawyers to fight its petition at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Why did South Africa take Israel to the ICJ?
Israel vehemently rejected South Africa’s filing, describing it as “baseless” and a “blood libel”. The Israeli Foreign Ministry labelled the claim as a “despicable and cheap exploitation of the court”, collaborating with a terror group and blaming Hamas for the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel emphasised its military operations in Gaza were directed against Hamas and other terror factions, not civilians, and urged the ICJ and the international community to dismiss South Africa’s claims.
South Africa’s 84-page application accuses Israel of genocidal acts intended to destroy a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial, and ethnic group.
It outlines several acts committed by Israel since 7 October 2023, including the killing of over 20 000 Palestinians, mainly women and children, and the injuring of more than 55 000.
The application highlights Israel’s targeting of hospitals, mass forced displacement, and other measures creating life-threatening conditions for Palestinians.
South Africa’s claim rests on the assertion that Israel’s actions, including statements by its leaders, demonstrate an intent to commit genocidal acts
Let’s meet the legal minds behind this historic case.
- Dikgang Moseneke – Former Deputy Chief Justice, appointed to the ICJ bench in an ad hoc capacity.
- Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh – External counsel, known for her role in the ‘Colston Four’ defence and representing Croatia at the ICJ.
- Adila Hassim – Co-founder and director of litigation at Section27, with a strong focus on healthcare and education rights.
- John Dugard – Renowned international law expert and former UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
- Max du Plessis – Barrister and associate professor with significant contributions to international law and human rights.
- Tembeka Ngcukaitobi – Prominent lawyer and legal scholar involved in landmark cases, including those against former president Jacob Zuma.
- Tshidiso Ramogale – Advocate of the High Court and Harvard Law School alumnus with a focus on commercial and public law.
- Sarah Pudifin-Jones – Expert in constitutional, administrative, and international law, and co-editor of a book on Class Action litigation.
- Lerato Zikalala – Member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates and researcher at the Constitutional Court.
- Vaughan Lowe – Leading Barrister at Essex Court Chambers, known for his expertise in international law.
The case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over alleged genocidal acts in Gaza is scheduled for public hearings on Thursday, 11, and Friday, 12 January 2024, at the Peace Palace in The Hague.