Judges at the International Court of Justice have opened a South African case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
The Israelis strongly reject that, and insist they're defending themselves as well as acting within the law.
Irish lawyer Blinne Ni Ghralaigh who is supporting South Africa's legal team at the ICJ, says the number of orphans caused by ‘Israel’s genocidal assault on the Palestinian population in Gaza’ has led to the need for a new acronym: WCNSF - wounded child, no surviving family. pic.twitter.com/i63iXKMaIN
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 11, 2024
South African Case
The International Court of Justice is today hearing whether or not Israel is committing genocide against the people of Gaza.
Israel strong denies the allegations being made against it in the case being taken by South Africa.
Colombia and Brazil have expressed their support of South Africa's case, with over 23-thousand people in Gaza killed since October 7th.
South Africa's Justice Minister Ronald Lamola says Israel is guilty of genocide in Gaza, among other things:
"It is also, again, at the very least plausible, that Israel has failed to prevent or to punish:
- Genocide.
- Conspiracy to commit genocide.
- Direct and public incitement to genocide.
- Attempted genocide.
- Complicity in genocide."
John Dugard - a South African professor of international law - told the court the Israelis dispute what his country is accusing them of:
"South Africa strongly believes that what Israel is doing in Gaza amounts to genocide."
"Israel denies this and claims that such an accusation is legally and factually wrong, and moreover is obscene."
The ICJ is hearing South Africa's arguments today, and Israel's response to the allegations tomorrow.
