South Africa Urges Action Against Israel in Gaza at World Court

South Africa has urged the U.N.’s top court to stop Israel’s attacks on Rafah, emphasizing the need to cease the assault on the southern Gaza city for the well-being of the Palestinian population.

Vusimuzi Madonsela, South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands, has requested judges to mandate Israel to withdraw its military forces from the Gaza Strip. The hearings at the International Court of Justice span two days and are part of South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide.

In response, Israel rejects South Africa’s allegations of breaching the 1949 Genocide Convention as unfounded and plans to present its defense in court on Friday. South Africa is seeking urgent measures to safeguard Rafah and ensure unrestricted entry to Gaza for U.N. personnel, humanitarian agencies, journalists, and investigators.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has criticized South Africa’s assertions, asserting that they are morally and factually twisted and that Israel’s military operations comply with international law. The court’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal, and a ruling against a nation could impact its global standing and establish a legal precedent.