A representative from South Africa at the International Court of Justice stated that "Israel has destroyed everywhere in the Gaza Strip and targeted its residents," demanding an end to "genocide." The South African representative remarked that "Israel continues its crimes in Gaza by targeting humanitarian workers," adding, "Israel continues to show indifference to the lives of Palestinians." He pointed out that "the situation in Palestinian Rafah is horrifying, and genocide has reached all areas of Gaza."
The International Court of Justice opened hearings today, Thursday, that will last for two days to consider South Africa's request aimed at preventing Israel from launching its military operation in the city of Rafah. This is the fourth time South Africa has requested the Court to take emergency measures regarding the war being waged by Israel against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, considering it amounts to "genocide."
The latest request emphasizes that previous preliminary orders issued by the Court – based in The Hague – were not sufficient "to stop the brutal military attack on the only remaining refuge for the residents of Gaza." Israel has described Rafah as "the last bastion" of Hamas and ignored warnings from the United States and other allies, which stated that any military operation there "would be catastrophic for civilians."
South Africa has requested the Court to issue an order compelling Israel to withdraw from Rafah and take necessary measures to ensure the unhindered access of United Nations officials, humanitarian organizations, and journalists into the Gaza Strip, providing a report within one week on how these demands would be met.
