South Africa has filed a robust prima facie case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The urgency of the matter is highlighted by the staggering toll of destruction, with 23,000 lives lost, 60,000 injuries, and 2 mn displaced in Gaza, where 500,000 Palestinians now face the looming threat of famine.

Prakash Diar, a prominent human rights lawyer and activist from South Africa, was asked as a human rights expert to be on the panel to address any 'legal' questions that might arise, shared;

About the Case 

The ICJ commenced hearings on South Africa's case on January 11, arguing that Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide. However, the Trudeau government has not yet endorsed South Africa's efforts, prompting questions about Canada's stance on the matter. Despite Canada's support for similar initiatives concerning Russia and Myanmar, its endorsement is conspicuously absent in the case against Israel.

South Africa's comprehensive 84-page brief to the ICJ contends that Israel's military operations in Gaza are genocidal, with the intent to destroy a substantial part of the Palestinian population. The Trudeau government's reluctance to support South Africa's case has garnered criticism, particularly in light of global backing from civil society groups, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Turkey, Jordan, Maldives, and Malaysia.

The submission to the ICJ cites damning findings by UN bodies and other human rights organizations, detailing the extensive harm caused by Israel's military attacks on Gaza. The death toll continues to rise daily, surpassing 21,110 named Palestinians, including 7,729 children, and more than 55,243 injured. South Africa's submission also includes statements from Israeli officials, indicating genocidal intent, as defined by the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

In response to the urgency of the situation, South Africa has requested the ICJ to issue an urgent order declaring Israel in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The French government has pledged to abide by the ICJ ruling, emphasizing the international significance and implications of the case. 

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