Pakistan
ICJ declares genocide charges against Israel valid
The global court of justice rejects Israel’s plea against South Africa’s petition, orders it to stop war in Gaza.
Hague: The International Court of Justice on Friday ruled that the allegations of genocide against Palestinians by Israel, brought by South Africa, are valid.
The ICJ ruled in its judgment that in response to Hamas attacks, significant loss of life and infrastructure damage occurred in Israeli attacks, with several UN agencies presenting resolutions against Israeli attacks.
The global court of justice also rejected the Israeli plea to reject the petition moved by South Africa against it over charges of genocide, ruling that the case of the Palestinians’ genocide would continue till the final decision on the subject matter.
The global justice body expressed concern over human losses in Gaza, noting the significant civilian deaths and humanitarian crises caused by Israeli attacks in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice ruled that some of South Africa's allegations against Israel are valid, and the decision to adjudicate genocide charges against Israel is within the court's jurisdiction.
It's worth noting that the ICJ had postponed the Gaza genocide case at Israel's request and stated that they will not dismiss genocide cases against Israel. There is ample evidence against Israel for genocide allegations, which have been brought up in various instances of genocide conventions against Israel.
The ICJ remarked that the story of devastation in Gaza has already been written, with the United Nations stating that Gaza is no longer viable to live in. Following the significant destruction in Gaza after October 7th, thousands lost their lives, and more than 63,000 were injured due to Israeli military attacks. Deaths, destruction, and displacement occurred in Gaza due to Israeli military attacks.
During this time, Israel blamed Hamas for civilian casualties in the International Court of Justice.
Israel argued that South Africa presented highly distorted, unrealistic, and illegal images of Israel's actions, attempting to weaponize the term “genocide” against Israel.
Under the international law, genocide is defined as the complete or partial destruction of a national, racial, religious group with the intention of destroying such groups through one or more actions.
Why did South Africa file the case?
South Africa has a long history of solidarity with the Palestinian cause against the ruling African National Congress. South Africa strongly criticized Israeli military action after October 7th in Gaza.
It may be mentioned here that as the signatory of the 1948 Genocide Convention of the United Nations, both parties must act on the ICJ's decisions."
It should be noted that South Africa filed a case in the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza after Hamas's attacks on October 7th. South Africa had requested action against Israel's actions during the hearing.
The South Africa accused Israel in the International Court of Justice of violating the United Nations' genocide convention, contending that Hamas's October 7th action cannot justify genocide against Palestinians.
The South Africa stated that Israel's bombing purpose is to "destroy Palestinian lives" and has pushed Palestinians to the “brink of famine”.