United Nations court scheduled to consider South Africa's genocide accusation against Israel

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will start hearing a case raised by South Africa accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. South Africa argues that Israel's actions are genocidal in nature and aimed at destroying a significant part of the Palestinian population. In response, Israel has denied the allegations. South Africa has presented evidence which includes instances of killing Palestinians in Gaza, causing them harm, and creating conditions that would lead to their physical destruction. The country has called for provisional measures, including the cessation of all military activities by Israel. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has criticized the accusations, stating that the Israeli army is working to avoid unintended consequences and civilian casualties. While the ICJ could quickly rule on South Africa's request for Israel to halt its military campaign, a final verdict on the genocide allegations may take years. ICJ rulings are technically binding on the involved parties, but enforcing them can be challenging. South Africa has been openly critical of Israel's military operation in Gaza and has a strong history of aligning with the Palestinian cause. The country draws parallels between this situation and its struggle against apartheid, a racially discriminatory policy that was enforced by South Africa's white-minority government until 1994. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 23,350 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began after Hamas's attacks on southern Israel. This figure includes at least 1,300 deaths, mostly civilians, and around 240 people taken hostage.