South Africa says it has received Israel’s written response in the genocide case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and will now decide whether to submit a further written reply or move directly to oral hearings.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed on Sunday that Israel filed its response on 12 March after twice requesting extensions to deadlines initially set for July 2025.
“South Africa will now consider Israel’s response and decide whether to request the court’s permission to make further written submissions in reply, or to proceed directly to the oral phase of proceedings,” Magwenya said.
The case, brought by South Africa in late 2023, accuses Israel of violating the Genocide Convention through its military operations in Gaza.
Since then, the ICJ has issued three binding provisional orders requiring Israel to prevent genocidal acts and allow unhindered humanitarian access.
South Africa argues these orders have not been implemented, citing continued bombardment, widespread destruction and deteriorating living conditions in Gaza.
UN Secretary‑General António Guterres warned last week that the situation in Gaza remained “dire,” with civilians facing ongoing strikes, food shortages and limited humanitarian assistance.
Regional tensions have also escalated, including Israeli attacks in Lebanon and instability in the Gulf, raising fears of a wider conflict.
South Africa maintained that Israel’s occupation policies and restrictions on Palestinian rights have long been documented by UN bodies and affirmed in previous ICJ findings.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the genocide case is a test of the international system at a time of deep global division, adding that South Africa remained committed to defending international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
“At a time of growing global division and the systematic undermining of the multilateral system, the United Nations in particular, the crisis in Gaza represents an opportunity to unite humanity and remind us all of our shared values,” Ramaphosa said on Sunday.
JN/APA