More than three months after the start of the Gaza war against the Islamist Hamas, Israel must answer for the military operation before the international court for the first time. South Africa has sued the Israeli government before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, accusing it of genocide.
Hearings will take place in The Hague on January 11 and 12. South Africa relies on the Genocide Convention in its lawsuit. Both states have signed this treaty. From South Africa’s perspective, the UN judges must urgently order an end to violence against Palestinians to protect their rights.
According to South Africa, Israel’s attacks are “genocidal in nature” because they were aimed at the extermination of Palestinians in the area. Israel firmly rejects the accusations.
Minister-sayers are causing problems for the Israeli government
However, recent statements by Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the far-right Religious Zionist Party of Israel could cause further problems in the proceedings in The Hague: both had spoken about a speculated about a possible expulsion of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to other countries. The US, the EU and countries such as Germany and France have strongly rejected the statements.
The Court (not to be confused with the International Criminal Court, also located in The Hague, To.) is the highest court of the United Nations and is intended to administer justice in conflicts between states. Rulings are binding. However, the UN judges themselves do not have the ability to enforce judgments. To do this, they would have to appeal to the UN Security Council.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
