SA approaches ICJ after Israel expands military operations in Gaza to the city of Rafah

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa has once again approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after a move by Israel to expand its military operations in Gaza to the city of Rafah - which is considered the last safe refuge for the strip’s residents.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the decision last week and on Monday, the Israeli Defence Force announced the rescue of two hostages in Rafah on the back of an operation that reportedly left 74 civilians dead.

South Africa secured an order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel last month and now wants the court to consider using its power “to prevent further imminent breach of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza”.

"It is gravely concerning that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by the state of Israel, has already led to and will result in further large-scale killing, harm and destruction. This would be in serious both of the genocide convention and of the court's order of 26 January this year," said spokesperson in the Presidency Vincent Magwenya.