SA vs Israel genocide case: The world’s eyes on ICJ ruling

CAPE TOWN - The world’s highest court is on Friday set to pronounce on a request from the South African government to order an immediate stop to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), sitting in The Hague, heard arguments from both sides two weeks ago regarding the situation in the Palestinian territory.

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More than 25,000 people have been killed in Gaza by Israel’s bombardment since the war started more than three months ago.

About 1,140 people in Israel have died since Hamas’ attack on 7 October.

Until the court can hear South Africa’s main genocide arguments against Israel, it’s asking the ICJ to grant provisional measures that will preserve Palestinian lives and give them access to more humanitarian aid.

Whatever Friday’s outcome in the matter, there's certainty that it will unsettle global relations.

While South Africa has been supported by at least 100 countries and organisations in bringing the case, it has not been backed by two major world powers: the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).

Fifteen permanent judges and two ad hoc judges, nominated by South Africa and Israel respectively, have deliberated on the matter.

Court President Joan Donoghue will read the court’s order in a public sitting at 2pm on Friday in the presence of a South African delegation led by Minister International Relations Naledi Pandor.

Two weeks ago, Israel told the court the genocide accusations should actually be levelled against the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, and that its military operation is in the protection of the Israeli state.

In February, the same court will be faced with a legal question submitted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on the legality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

But for now, much of the world hopes the court will order a stop to the violence.