JOHANNESBURG: South Africa has submitted documented “evidence” of a “genocide” committed by Israel against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the office of President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday.
The document, referred to as a “memorial,” contains extensive evidence alleging violations of the Genocide Convention by Israel, according to the presidential statement.
“The evidence demonstrates that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the criteria for genocide,” the statement reads, accusing Israel of a “special intent to commit genocide.” The memorial argues that Israel has failed in its responsibilities to prevent genocide, punish perpetrators, and prevent incitement of such actions.
The ICJ has confirmed receipt of South Africa’s filing but has not yet provided additional details.
South Africa initiated this case at the ICJ in December, citing violations of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention in Gaza. The memorial, running over 750 pages with supporting exhibits and annexes totaling more than 4,000 pages, is not available for public review.
Several nations have joined South Africa in backing this case, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile, and Libya. South Africa’s position reflects its government’s condemnation of Israel’s Gaza operations.
According to the health ministry in Gaza, the Israeli bombardment campaign has killed over 43,020 Palestinians, mostly women and children, since October 7, 2023. These figures, verified by the UN, have intensified international scrutiny and criticism of Israel’s tactics.
