South Africa's motivation to file case against the Israeli regime is to prevent either Israel or any other state from committing genocide.

Why It Matters: 
The case brings global attention to the human rights violations and genocide the Israeli regime is committing against Palestinians.

 

The Big Picture:
The Genocide Convention defines genocide, mandates its prevention and punishment, and holds individuals, including state officials, accountable. It promotes international cooperation for extradition and prosecution to ensure justice.

 

State of Play:
Since October 2023, Israel's ground and air war on Gaza massacred nearly 62,000 people, most of whom are women, children, or older people.

 

What They Are Saying:

South African Ambassador to Tehran Francis Moloi: South Africa contends that Israel has failed to meet its obligations under the Genocide Convention since October 2023. Citing Article 1, which mandates the prohibition and punishment of genocide, South Africa aims to ensure Israel's compliance and will present evidence to support its case.

 

Key Points:

  • In January 2024, the ICJ ordered Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza and take measures to comply with the Genocide Convention.
  • Belize, Nicaragua, Cuba, Ireland, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Palestine, Spain, and Turkey, have requested to join or support South Africa's complaint.
  • The international community must impose sanctions and arms embargoes, cut diplomatic ties to hold Israel accountable.
  • The goal is to achieve self-determination, freedom, and justice for the Palestinian people, similar to the successful anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

 

Go Deeper:

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former war minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

 

Mahboubeh Habibi