Israel is appearing today before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands.
In order to defend itself against a lawsuit filed by South Africa accusing it of committing the crime of “genocide” against the Palestinian people in Gaza Strip.
The lawsuit was by South Africa on December 29, 2023.
This is in response to Israel’s alleged involvement in “acts of genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza Strip.
The ICJ has scheduled two days of hearings, January 11 and 12, to hear the case.
South Africa is presenting a 84-page brief in English, in which it presents evidence of Israel violation.
The Israeli violation includes the use of force and its involvement in acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
In its lawsuit, South Africa is asking the ICJ to:
“Indicate provisional measures for the protection from further serious and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people.
Under the Genocide Convention and to ensure Israel’s compliance with its obligations under the Convention not to engage in, prevent and punish genocide.”
Omar Awadallah, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies, said:
“South Africa’s courageous step is consistent with the legal path that the State of Palestine has adopted to hold Israel accountable for its ongoing crimes against Palestinians for 75 years.”
He pointed out that this lawsuit will contribute to achieving international justice.
Rejecting genocide, and ending the serious violations and crimes that Israel is committing against the Palestinian people.
As part of the humanitarian Chivalrous knight operation, the Emirates Red Crescent completes its preparations to send winter clothing to the Gaza Strip pic.twitter.com/RRNLNDvD1i
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) January 8, 2024
The time in Gaza is of blood and pain
He stressed that the decisions of the ICJ are binding on all states.
Not only to refrain from committing the crime of genocide, but also to prevent and punish it.
Awadallah said that the court will hear South Africa and its legal team for two hours on the first day.
And the session will be adjourned for deliberations.
The UAE has provided a unique model of urgent humanitarian response to the needs of the Palestinian people, and has worked to implement comprehensive humanitarian initiatives. pic.twitter.com/kuIYvpqNu5
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) January 6, 2024
On the second day, Israel the ICJ will hear Israel.
And then the session will be adjourned to consider the urgent procedures and measures.
Awadallah expressed his hope for a quick decision and ruling from the ICJ.
Because the time in Gaza is of blood and pain, and that the Israeli aggression against the Palestinians need to be stopped.
The outcome of the case is uncertain, but it is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Israel and the Palestinian people.
If the ICJ finds that Israel has committed genocide, it could have far-reaching consequences for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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