The Hague (Agencies): South Africa announced on Tuesday that it will not withdraw its lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The lawsuit, filed on December 29, 2023, accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in violation of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
The case has garnered significant international attention, with several countries, including Türkiye, Spain, and Mexico, filing declarations of intervention in support of South Africa’s position. The ICJ has already issued provisional measures, ordering Israel to take steps to prevent acts contrary to the Genocide Convention. However, Israel has rejected the allegations as “baseless,” asserting that its actions are in self-defense following attacks by Hamas.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), emphasized the importance of the lawsuit in holding Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. He warned that the breakdown of negotiations could lead to significant changes in Iran’s nuclear policy, potentially sparking a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
The ICJ is expected to continue hearing the case, with the international community closely monitoring the proceedings. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for international law and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.