USNews Logo

In a comprehensive three-hour presentation to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), South Africa, led by international law academic and barrister John Dugard, detailed the dire conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza. The South African team highlighted the plight of Palestinians living under siege, enduring continuous Israeli air strikes, and facing a deadly military ground invasion. While it might take years for the ICJ to deliver a final judgment, this week's initial proceedings center around South Africa's specific request for an emergency order against the ongoing killings and destruction in the Gaza Strip. Legal experts anticipate that an interim decision could be reached in a matter of weeks. Adila Hassim, one of the advocates representing South Africa, emphasized that the court doesn't need to issue a final verdict on the genocide allegations immediately. Still, it could determine that some of Israel's actions fall within the definition of the convention, prompting intervention. The five main "genocidal acts" outlined by Hassim during the proceedings are Mass killings of Palestinians, Bodily and mental harm, Forced displacement and food blockade, Destruction of the healthcare system, and Preventing Palestinian births. South Africa's presentation underscores the gravity of the situation in Gaza and seeks legal intervention to address the alleged atrocities committed during the conflict.