Devendra Kumar
South Africa has once again urged the International Court of Justice to order a ceasefire in Gaza, citing Israel’s ongoing military operation in the southern city of Rafah. This is the third time the court has held hearings on the conflict, and South Africa has accused Israel of committing genocide. The country’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Vusimuzi Madonsela, urged the court to order Israel to “totally and unconditionally withdraw” from the Gaza Strip.
The court has already found that there is a “real and imminent risk” to the Palestinian people in Gaza posed by Israel’s military operations. South Africa’s legal team argues that Israel’s actions in Rafah are part of a larger effort to destroy Gaza, and that the military operation has far surpassed justified self-defense. The country is seeking a ceasefire, and urging the court to take immediate action.
Israel has denied committing genocide, saying it only targets Hamas militants and takes precautions to spare civilians. However, South Africa argues that the military operation has led to widespread destruction and displacement, with most of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people forced to flee their homes.
The court has the power to order a ceasefire and other measures, although it does not have its own enforcement apparatus. In the past, the court has ordered measures, such as Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine, but these orders have often gone unheeded.
The international community is continuing to monitor the situation, with Egypt announcing its intention to join the case and several other countries indicating plans to intervene. The International Court of Justice has a history of taking bold action, but ultimately the effectiveness of its decisions relies on the willingness of countries to comply.