On Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to deliver a ruling on the hotly contested Israel genocide case.
ICJ rules on Israel genocide: How to watch live in South Africa
PLEASE NOTE: The third-party content below is shared on our platform for journalistic purposes. Swisher Post, its parent company, partners and affiliates shall not be held liable for any consequence that arises from the journalistic duties performed in sharing this content.
This case has become a legal battleground between South Africa and Israel, with the former accusing the latter of committing acts of genocide in Gaza.
The court’s decision, on whether to order emergency measures against Israel, has the international community on tenterhooks.
In a statement, the ICJ confirmed it will deliver its ruling at The Hague, on Friday at 14:00 CAT. You can tune into the live proceedings below:
What are South Africa’s merits?
The crux of South Africa’s argument hinges on the allegations that Israel violated the UN’s 1948 Genocide Convention in its military actions in Gaza.
Israel, on the other hand, has fervently dismissed these allegations as “grossly distorted,” defending its military operations as a right to self-defence against Hamas attacks.
The ICJ, known as the World Court, is not directly dealing with the question of whether Israel is committing genocide today but is considering South Africa’s request for emergency measures to restrain Israel’s actions.
The heart of South Africa’s plea involves nine injunctions, including demands to suspend all military operations in Gaza and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Legal experts are keenly observing how the court addresses these requests, given the gravity of the situation and the plausibility of the claims under the genocide convention.
Michael Becker, a legal expert, anticipates the court might instruct Israel to ensure that any military operation complies with international law and does not impede humanitarian aid delivery.
Israel’s response has been a strong pushback, with the Israeli Foreign Ministry instructing its diplomats to counter South Africa’s claims and garnering support from its allies, notably the United States.
The US National Security Council has described South Africa’s application as “meritless,” echoing Israel’s stance.
What happens if the ICJ rules in favour of South Africa?
If the ICJ rules in favour of South Africa, the implications for Israel could be profound.
The court’s rulings are legally binding, although it lacks enforcement mechanisms. A ruling against Israel could lead to significant international pressure and potentially affect its relationships with key allies.
The European Union’s silence on the matter is noteworthy, but any court order against Israel would undoubtedly impact its international standing.
Moreover, a favourable ruling for South Africa would also intensify the scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza, potentially leading to further legal challenges and increased calls for accountability on the international stage.
It could also embolden other countries to bring similar cases against Israel, thereby isolating it further in the international community.
The impact of the ICJ’s decision will reverberate beyond the courtroom, setting a precedent in international law regarding genocide accusations and state responsibility.
As the world watches the live stream of the court’s ruling, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both South Africa and Israel.