South Africa seeks halt to Israel’s Gaza offensive
South Africa has taken its plea to the United Nations’ highest court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging it to halt Israel’s military offensive in Rafah, located in southern Gaza. The ICJ is holding a two-day hearing in The Hague, with Israel scheduled to respond on Friday.
South Africa is pushing for Israel to grant “unimpeded access” to Gaza for aid workers, journalists, and investigators. This comes as part of a broader effort to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
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Earlier this year, South Africa filed a case accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a claim Israel has strongly denied as false and “grossly distorted.” The current military actions in Rafah, which started ten days ago, have sparked serious concerns from the UN and other organisations about the safety of civilians. The region, once a refuge for over a million displaced people, has seen nearly 600,000 flee since the operation began.
South Africa’s application to the ICJ alleges that Israel’s actions in Rafah and across Gaza are “genocidal” and demands an immediate cessation. Representing South Africa, barrister Vaughan Lowe KC emphasised the destruction of evidence of alleged crimes, which he argued undermines justice.
In response, Israel contends that its offensive in Rafah is crucial for dismantling the remaining Hamas battalions and rescuing about 130 Israeli hostages believed to be held in the area.
‘Evidence of appalling crimes being destroyed’ – video
Addressing the court at the start of the hearing, barrister Vaughan Lowe KC said that “evidence of appalling crimes and atrocities is literally being destroyed and bulldozed, in effect wiping the slate clean for those who’ve committed these crimes and making a mockery of justice”.
@thenationalnews Israel’s attack on Rafah is part of an “endgame” in which Gaza is “utterly destroyed as an area capable of human habitation”, lawyers tell the International Court of Justice. #court #ICJ #southafrica #hearing #israel #case #fyp #news