South Africa submitted its memorial on the genocide in Gaza to the International Court of Justice in The Hague on Monday, October 28, late in the afternoon. Before the highest court of the UN, Pretoria accuses the Jewish state of violating the Convention on Genocide in Gaza. At the beginning of 2024, the judges considered that there was a risk of genocide and had notably ordered Israel to allow humanitarian aid to pass through the enclave. Today’s step is just one chapter in a case that is expected to last several years.
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With our correspondent in The Hague, Stephanie Maupas
These are ” the overwhelming evidence of the genocide in Gaza…,” says South Africa in a press release.
Pretoria filed a 750-page brief, supported by extensive evidence. Evidence for “ stop the disaster », hopes South Africa with this procedure opened for more than 10 months.
The evidence shows, according to Pretoria, that Israel has “ created living conditions that aim at physical destruction » of Palestinians in Gaza.
South Africa also called, in its press release, for a ceasefire in Lebanon and Palestine and denounced Israel’s impunity.
President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed that Pretoria’s action before the Court aims ” to ensure the same global solidarity that helped South Africa emerge from apartheid “.
Under the Genocide Convention, states have an obligation to prevent, or attempt, any act of genocide.
Ten other countries have complied with this obligation, joining the procedure brought by South Africa. Among them, Palestine, Turkey, Mexico and Spain. We will still have to wait several months before hearing their pleadings before the judges.
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