The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to deliberate on South Africa’s appeal for urgent action concerning Israel’s military campaign in Rafah, a southern city in Gaza, which has led to the displacement of over a million Palestinians seeking refuge from the conflict.
Scheduled hearings at The Hague-based court will commence with South Africa presenting its case at 13:00 GMT on Thursday, followed by Israel’s response at 08:00 GMT on Friday.
South Africa’s petition is part of a broader legal action accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza, a charge vehemently denied by Israel.
According to Palestinian health officials, the months-long conflict has resulted in a staggering death toll of over 35,000 people, with nearly 80,000 others wounded.
Legal expert William Schabas, a professor of international law at Middlesex University, emphasized the significance of previous ICJ orders for provisional measures, noting their substantial political impact despite Israel’s non-compliance.
While ICJ judgments carry legal weight and are non-appealable, the court lacks direct enforcement capabilities.
Should Israel fail to adhere to the rulings, South Africa may appeal to the UN Security Council for enforcement. However, Israel’s powerful ally, with veto authority as a permanent member, poses a significant obstacle to such measures.
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