The Hague, Netherlands: Israel forcefully countered South Africa’s accusation of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday, setting the stage for a potentially years-long legal battle over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
South Africa, arguing that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the definition of genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention, urged the court to order Israel to halt its military activity. Israel vehemently denied the allegation, calling it a “distorted factual and legal picture” and an attempt to “weaponize the term genocide.”
The emotionally charged hearings unfolded against a backdrop of starkly contrasting realities. Outside the court, supporters of both sides held demonstrations, with Palestinian flags waving on one side and a symbolic Sabbath table honoring slain Israelis on the other.
Inside the courtroom, the legal arguments were sharp and uncompromising. South Africa’s advocate, Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, painted a harrowing picture of “irreparable loss of life, property, dignity and humanity” for Palestinians, alleging a calculated Israeli plot to “destroy” Gaza.
Israeli lawyer Tal Becker fiercely countered, accusing South Africa of ignoring context and manipulating facts to fit a predetermined narrative. He emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, the militant group ruling Gaza, while minimizing civilian casualties.
The international community closely monitored the proceedings, with Germany and the UK voicing strong support for Israel and rejecting the genocide accusation. The ICJ’s eventual ruling, potentially years away, will hold significant weight but not be legally binding.
