Israel strongly criticized South Africa’s recent plea to the World Court, accusing Pretoria of representing Hamas’s interests and attempting to deprive Israel of its fundamental right to self-defense. Israel has urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to reject the request, asserting that the emergency measures issued three weeks ago already address the overall situation of hostilities in Gaza.
Last month, following a case initiated by South Africa, the ICJ directed Israel to take all possible measures to prevent its troops from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. In a recent filing to the ICJ, South Africa argued that a significant development has occurred since the January ruling, pointing to Israel’s announcement of its intention to expand its ground offensive into Rafah.
The planned operation in the southern city has faced international condemnation, with the United Nations warning of catastrophic consequences for Palestinians. Over a million people have sought refuge in Rafah during Israel’s months-long conflict with Hamas. Despite calls from foreign governments and aid agencies to refrain from extending ground operations into the city, Israel insists on entering Rafah to eliminate Hamas battalions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to develop a dual plan to evacuate civilians from the city. However, the logistics of relocating a large number of people, currently pressed against the border with Egypt and residing in makeshift tents, remain unclear. The ICJ’s ruling on South Africa’s latest request is yet to be determined.
