Military offensive in Rafah: Israel calls for rejection of South Africa’s request

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South Africa’s objections are unfounded, according to a statement from Israel that the Court published on its website on Thursday evening.

At the end of January, the court ordered Israel to do everything possible to prevent genocide in the Gaza Strip. This was a preliminary decision in the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the United Nations Supreme Court in The Hague. South Africa accuses Israel of violating the Genocide Convention.

After announcing a military offensive in Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip, South Africa submitted an urgent request at the beginning of this week. The World Court must examine the legality of this operation and clarify whether it does not violate the order issued at the end of January.

More than a million people had fled to Rafah. They could be directly threatened by an Israeli offensive against the Islamist Hamas, South Africa said. “This would be a serious and irreparable violation of both the Genocide Convention and the Court’s ruling of January 26.”

It is not known when the court will decide on the South African application. Decisions of the UN court are binding.

Israel firmly rejects the accusations and speaks of a renewed attempt by South Africa to abuse the Genocide Convention. Israel is committed to international law. At the same time, the country reaffirmed its right to self-defense. Israel will do everything it can to limit the damage to the civilian population.

The Gaza War was sparked by attacks by the terrorist organization Hamas and other extremists on October 7, 2023. About 1,200 people were killed in Israel and about 250 people were kidnapped from the country. Of these, about 130 are said to still be in the hands of Hamas. (SDA)

Source:Blick