Watan-The International Court of Justice began its first sessions on Thursday regarding the lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel, accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

South Africa’s legal team presented a strong case before the court, stating that Israel subjects the Palestinian people to a system of apartheid. They further asserted that Israel is committing acts of genocide against Palestinians and imposing a blockade on the Gaza Strip, preventing entry by land and sea, while acting as an occupying force.

The statement highlights that Israel launched a large-scale attack on Gaza, violating the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

It emphasized that Palestinians are subjected to relentless shelling wherever they go, facing death wherever they seek refuge. The Israeli killings are described as extensive, with Palestinian bodies being buried in mass graves. Hundreds of families in Gaza are said to have been completely wiped out, leaving no survivors.

The legal team from South Africa pointed out that Israeli soldiers take celebratory photos while destroying cities and villages. They affirmed that over 80% of Gaza’s population suffers from hunger deliberately imposed by Israel to make living conditions unbearable and physically destroy Palestinians.

The team stressed that the aid entering Gaza is insufficient for the needs of its residents, and Israel deliberately creates conditions depriving Palestinians of shelter and clean water. Diseases and hunger are reported to be rampant in Gaza, and the sick are denied necessary healthcare.

It was reported that Israel commits sexual violence against women and children, indicating an intention to commit genocide. Safe zones for Palestinians in Gaza are said to be designated by Israel before being targeted.

The team mentioned that Israel targets a significant number of children in Gaza, and the evidence presented in Gaza necessitates the intervention of the International Court of Justice. Aid trucks entering Gaza are subjected to three stages of inspection, and Israel’s intention to commit genocide is affirmed.

It is explained that Israel bombards and targets women and children in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that the intent to destroy Gaza exists at the highest political levels in Israel. The extent of destruction in Gaza and the killing of children is seen as a clear indication of the intention for genocide.

Israel had agreed to appear before the International Court of Justice in response to the lawsuit filed by South Africa.

Israeli concerns about the trial

Israeli reports confirmed serious concerns within Israeli security and prosecution institutions that the International Court of Justice might level charges of genocide against Israel. The hearings address South Africa’s request for emergency measures, compelling Israel to suspend its military operations in Gaza.

The court will also examine the details of the case, a process that could take years.

The 84-page lawsuit by South Africa alleges that Israel failed to provide essential food, water, medicine, fuel, shelters, and other humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s population. It also highlights the ongoing bombing campaign that destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes, displaced around 1.9 million Palestinians, resulted in the deaths of 23,000 people according to health authorities in Gaza.

A committee of 17 judges, including two from Israel and South Africa, is listening to three-hour arguments from each party. A ruling on interim measures is expected later this month. While the judgments of the International Court of Justice are binding, the court does not have the power to enforce them.