JERUSALEM: Israel on Thursday hit back at what it called an “unjustifiable” South African appeal to the UN’s top court to put more legal pressure on the looming offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
Pretoria has already filed a complaint against Israel with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), claiming that its attack on Gaza constitutes a violation of the UN Genocide Convention.
The court has yet to rule on the underlying issue, but on January 26 it ordered Israel to do everything in its power to prevent genocidal acts during its campaign, as well as to allow humanitarian aid.
On Tuesday, South Africa filed a new application with the ICJ, arguing that there had been “significant developments” since the court’s January ruling, namely the announced Rafah offensive.
In its response posted on the ICJ website on Thursday, Israel said: “South Africa’s unwarranted claims make it clear that its request is not driven by any change in circumstances, nor does it have any factual or legal basis.”
It described Pretoria’s request as a “cynical effort … to rig the court to protect South Africa’s long-time ally Hamas, a global terrorist organization.”
Israel has said it is “unwavering” in its commitment to international law, including the Genocide Convention, during the current conflict.
An October 7 attack by the Hamas fighters on Israel resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to media reports based on official Israeli figures.
At least 28,663 people, mostly women and children, were killed in the Israeli attack on the Palestinian territories, according to the Ministry of Health.
Israel launched more deadly strikes on southern Gaza on Thursday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted it would continue a “strong” operation in the overcrowded city of Rafah with the aim of “total victory”.
Meanwhile, efforts were underway in Cairo to secure a ceasefire entered for the third day straight, with negotiators from the USA, Egypt and Qatar trying to broker a deal to halt the fighting and release hostages held by Hamas.
