Emotional Appeals Dominate ICJ Hearing on South Africa's Genocide Accusation Against Israel

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has heard arguments on whether Israel is guilty of genocide in its war in Gaza. The case, brought by South Africa, accuses Israel of attempting to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group in part or in whole, as defined by the 1948 Convention on Genocide. Both sides have presented emotional arguments, with South Africa accusing Israel of indiscriminate killing of Palestinian civilians and destruction of Gaza's infrastructure, while Israel argues that if anyone is guilty of genocide, it is Hamas. The ICJ's verdict on the charge of genocide will likely take years. South Africa has also called for nine provisional measures to protect the rights of the Palestinian people, including an immediate suspension of Israel's military operation in Gaza. Israel opposes the ICJ, but understands that if provisional measures are issued, the international pressure on it will increase.