New forensic evidence – South Africa to submit a detailed dossier in the genocide case against Israel

By Palestine Chronicle staff

On December 29, the South African government took the case against Israel to the International Court of Justice, accusing the country of “genocidal acts” during its military campaign in Gaza.

South Africa will file a comprehensive memorial against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday, aiming to substantiate claims that Israel is committing genocide in Palestine, diplomatic sources told Anadolu on Sunday.

South African news outlet Daily Maverick confirmed the news, noting that a memorial “forms part of the written pleadings before the International Court of Justice and that, according to Article 49(1) of the Rules of the Court, it is ‘a declaration of the will contain relevant facts’. , a statement of the law, and the applicant’s comments.”

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola stated in a recent interview with Daily Maverick that South Africa’s memorial contains extensive evidence in “forensic detail” to argue that “this is not just a plausible case of genocide, but indeed genocide.” ”

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According to the report, after the memorial is filed, the defendant, Israel, will have to file a counter-brief by July 28 next year.

According to the Court’s rules, a counter-monument must include “an admission or denial of the facts stated in the memorial; any additional facts, if necessary; comments on the statement of law in the memorial; a statement of law in response to this; and the entries.”

On December 29, the South African government took the case against Israel to the International Court of Justice, accusing the country of “genocidal acts” during its military campaign in Gaza.

Public hearings on South Africa’s request took place on 11 and 12 January.

In January, the ICJ called on Israel to avoid actions that could lead to genocide and to facilitate humanitarian access to Gaza.

A few weeks later, South Africa requested additional measures in response to Israel’s announced intention to attack Rafah, but the court rejected this request.

‘Cannot be justified’ – South Africa says forced relocation of Rafah residents is illegal

In early March, South Africa renewed its request for emergency measures against Israel.

Later that month, the court ordered Israel to ensure the delivery of “urgent humanitarian aid” to Gaza, in light of “a famine that has begun to spread” in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

Ongoing genocide

Ignoring a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, Israel faces international condemnation amid its ongoing brutal offensive on Gaza.

Israel is currently on trial at the International Court of Justice for genocide against the Palestinians and has been waging a devastating war against Gaza since October 7.

According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, there were 42,924 Palestinians killedand 100,833 injured in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza that began on October 7, 2023.

In addition, at least 11,000 people are missing, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes across the Strip.

Heavy bombardment in Gaza has left civilians trapped as the death toll continues to rise

Israel says 1,200 soldiers and civilians were killed during the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation on October 7. Israeli media published reports suggesting that many Israelis had been killed by “friendly fire” that day.

Palestinian and international organizations say the majority of the dead and injured are women and children.

The Israeli war has resulted in acute famine, especially in northern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of many Palestinians, especially children.

Israeli aggression has also resulted in the forced displacement of nearly two million people from across the Gaza Strip, with the vast majority of those displaced forced into the densely populated southern city of Rafah, near the border with Egypt – in what is Palestine’s largest city become. mass exodus since the Nakba of 1948.

Later in the war, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians began moving from the south to central Gaza in an ongoing search for safety.

(PC, Anadolu)