The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced the commencement of deliberations after concluding the two-day public hearing regarding South Africa’s accusation against Israel for committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
In a statement, the ICJ stated, “The public hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by South Africa in the case concerning application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) concluded today.”
The top UN Court added, “The Court will now begin its deliberation. The Court’s decision will be delivered at a public sitting, the date of which will be announced in due course.”
South Africa filed the case in December, alleging that Israeli authorities have engaged in genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza. The country sought provisional measures from the Court, urging Israel to cease military attacks immediately and to take actions to protect the Palestinian population.
During the hearing, South Africa presented a list of alleged genocidal acts committed by Israel, while Israel defended its position the following day.
The context of the case involves the significant loss of Palestinian lives in Gaza, with over 23,700 casualties reported since the cross-border offensive by Hamas on October 7. The military campaign has resulted in mass displacement, extensive destruction, and widespread hunger.