What’s behind it: South Africa accuses Israel of genocide

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A monster trial began Thursday at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands. South Africa has accused Israel of “systematically committing genocide” against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Before the United Nations highest court in The Hague, South Africa’s legal representatives described examples of military violence and statements by Israeli politicians and military officials over the past three months. It was said that this was done with the “intention of genocide.” Accordingly, Israel aims to destroy Palestinian life.

The country relies on the UN Genocide Convention, which Israel has also signed. It defines genocide as an act “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group as such.” Israel denies violating this passage.

Emergency procedure for the end of the war

South Africa is also demanding legal protection for the Palestinians in an emergency procedure. The judges must therefore order an end to the military actions. The court, which must settle conflicts between states, will initially only consider the urgent application and then make a decision in the coming weeks. Proceedings on the main case, the accusation of genocide, could take years.

A court decision is binding – even if the UN judges themselves do not have the power to enforce it. A negative decision could harm Israel and further increase international pressure. It is the first time that Israel has been charged with genocide before an international court.

“Violence and destruction did not start on October 7”

Israel emphasizes its right to self-defense after the Hamas attacks on October 7. About 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were kidnapped from Israel, about half of whom have been released so far.

South Africa condemned the Hamas attacks. “But no armed attack is a justification for violating the Genocide Convention,” said Justice Minister Ronald Lamola. He went on to say that the conflict began in 1948 with the establishment of the State of Israel on Palestinian territory: “The violence and destruction in Palestine and Israel did not begin on October 7, 2023. Palestinians have experienced systematic oppression and violence. For 76 years.”

“Pattern indicating genocidal intent”

South Africa’s legal representative Adila Hassim also cited acts of violence by the military, including bombings and blockades of humanitarian aid in one of the world’s most densely populated areas. She spoke of “acts of genocide” and a “systematic pattern indicative of genocidal intent.”

More than 23,000 Palestinians were killed, at least 70 percent of whom were women and children. For this purpose, the Israeli army used a so-called 2,000-pound bomb more than two hundred times in the first three weeks of the war alone. According to Hassim, these are among the “largest and most destructive” bombs ever.

South Africa also based the accusations on statements by Israeli ministers and officials. Quotes like “We will spare no one,” “We will wipe the Gaza Strip off the face of the earth,” or “Israel is fighting human animals” are “rhetoric of genocide.” This rhetoric is being passed on from ministers to soldiers, said South African lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi.

The Israeli defense is expected on Friday

Several hundred Palestinian supporters had gathered in front of the Peace Palace, the seat of the court. At the same time, several hundred Israeli supporters also marched in front of the court to commemorate the victims of the Hamas violence.

Israel is expected to respond to the allegations on Friday. Shortly before the hearing began, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (74) once again rejected all allegations: “Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian people, and we are doing so in full accordance with international law.” (SDA/madam)

Source: Blick