South Africa brings a case of 'genocide' against Israel to the ICJ

South Africa has taken legal action against Israel, accusing the country of committing "genocidal acts" in Gaza. The case was filed at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with the UN court acknowledging the proceedings involving Israel's alleged violations of the Genocide Convention. Israel has vehemently denied the accusation, calling it baseless and dismissing it as a "blood libel" spread by South Africa. The ICJ, which is the UN's primary legal body, handles disputes between nations and provides advisory opinions on international legal matters. South Africa stated that it applied to the ICJ to prevent genocide from occurring and expressed concern about the indiscriminate use of force and forcible removal of civilians in Gaza by Israel. The filing also highlighted ongoing reports of international crimes such as crimes against humanity, war crimes, and potential acts of genocide during the current hostilities in Gaza. South Africa's application seeks a hearing next week and provisional measures from the court, including a cessation of all Israeli military activities in Gaza. In response, Israel condemned South Africa's claim, accusing the country of collaborating with a terrorist organization that seeks to destroy Israel. Israel emphasized that its military operations in Gaza target only terrorist organizations like Hamas and asserted its commitment to international law and minimizing harm to non-involved individuals. South Africa has been strongly critical of Israel's actions in Gaza and previously recalled all its diplomats from the country, prompting Israel to recall its ambassador from Pretoria. The South African national assembly has also voted to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel, although the government has yet to formally respond to the vote. This is not the first time South Africa has taken legal action against Israel over alleged war crimes in Gaza, as it previously referred the matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, Israel does not recognize the authority of the ICC. The current conflict between Israel and Hamas was sparked by a Hamas attack in early October, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and hostage-taking. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 21,500 people, mostly children and women, have been killed in Gaza during Israeli retaliatory attacks.