South Africa on Monday officially presented evidence of Israel’s genocidal activities to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a significant legal battle against Zionist state concerning its military actions in Gaza.
The evidence – contained in a Memorial, which cannot be made public in accordance with court rules – is part of South Africa’s case under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (South Africa v. Israel).
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the document outlines evidence suggesting that Israel has violated the genocide convention through actions that include the systematic killing of Palestinians, obstruction of humanitarian aid and the creation of living conditions aimed at their physical destruction.
“The evidence is detailed in over 750 pages of text, supported by exhibits and annexes of over 4,000 pages,” Magwenya said in a statement on Monday.
He noted that the Memorial was a reminder to the global community “to remember the people of Palestine, to stand in solidarity with them and to stop the catastrophe.”
“The glaring genocide in Gaza is there for all who are not blinded by prejudice to see. South Africa expresses gratitude to the other nations that have filed Article 62 and 63 interventions to join the case that has been initiated at the ICJ.”
South Africa argues that Israel’s actions reflect a special intent to commit genocide, highlighting the government’s failure to prevent incitement to genocide and to hold perpetrators accountable.
The evidence points to the use of starvation as a weapon of war, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The filing comes amid escalating violence in Gaza where Israel’s military operations have intensified, resulting in widespread civilian casualties.
South Africa’s legal efforts began in December 2023, culminating in this Memorial, which has generated considerable national and international attention.
Addressing the UN General Assembly earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the historical significance of this legal action, drawing parallels between South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and the current plight of Palestinians.
He asserted that the same global solidarity that was vital in ending apartheid in South Africa should now be mobilized to combat the systemic oppression faced by Palestinians.
JN/APA