This filing, which was made on October 28, includes over 750 pages of legal arguments supported by more than 4,000 pages of evidence, asserting that Israel has intentionally pursued policies resulting in the mass killing, displacement, and deprivation of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Due to ICJ rules, the Memorial itself cannot be made public, but officials indicate it contains evidence demonstrating Israel’s intent to commit acts of genocide. The filing comes as civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon continue to rise amidst intensified Israeli airstrikes, raising international concerns over the situation in the region.
South Africa’s evidence reportedly addresses actions by Israel that allegedly contribute to genocide, including targeting civilians, obstructing humanitarian aid, and employing starvation tactics. Additionally, it claims that Israel’s policies have created conditions for widespread displacement, aiming to depopulate Gaza. The case, which builds on South Africa’s December 2023 decision to pursue ICJ action, has drawn significant global attention and has received intervention support from other countries under Articles 62 and 63 of the ICJ Statute.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa referenced his address to the United Nations General Assembly earlier this year, underscoring parallels between the Palestinian struggle and South Africa’s own fight against apartheid. Ramaphosa called for mobilizing the international community to confront what he termed "the apartheid faced by Palestinians" and end the violence in Gaza.
South Africa has urged the global community to insist on compliance with international law to prevent further civilian harm in Palestine, Lebanon, and the broader region, emphasizing that justice is essential to a peaceful resolution. (ILKHA)