The two-day public hearing in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) begins on Thursday.
The South African government brought the case against Israel on Dec. 29, accusing it of “genocidal acts” in its assaults on Gaza.
Palestinians and pro-Palestine campaigners around the world are hoping the ICJ might halt Israel’s devastating military campaign in Gaza.
The military campaign has seen more than 23,000 people killed – nearly 10,000 of them, being children.
South Africa accused Israel of committing crime of genocide in Gaza in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention. B oth countries are party to the Convention.
The killing of Palestinians in Gaza in large numbers, especially children, the destruction of their homes and their expulsion are all listed as genocidal actions in the suit.
Other atrocities allegedly committed by the Israelis are the blockade on food, water and medical assistance to the Gaza Strip.
Israeli also imposed measures preventing Palestinian births by destroying essential health services crucial for survival of pregnant women and babies.
South Africa is requesting the ICJ move urgently to prevent Israel from committing further crimes in the strip.
ICJ should apply “provisional measures” – essentially an emergency order even before the main case begins.
It argues that provisional measures are necessary “to protect against severe and irreparable harm to the rights of Palestinian people.
“These are rights under the Genocide Convention, which Israel continue to violate with impunity”.
The ICJ, also called the World Court, is the highest United Nations legal body that can adjudicate issues between member states.
It is separate from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which tries individuals in criminal cases.
The ICJ comprises 15 judges appointed for nine-year terms through elections at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the Security Council (UNSC).
The court’s rulings are binding and cannot be appealed by member states, but it depends on the UNSC to enforce the decisions. (Al-Jazeera)
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share story(ies) of happenings in your area with The NewsZenith on WhatsApp: 08033668669 or thenewszenith@gmail.com
