The first hearing of the case filed by the Republic of South Africa on December 29 started yesterday at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. On the first day of the hearing, South Africa, which accused Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza, presented its allegations to the court orally. South Africa primarily demanded that the international court issue an interim injunction for Israel to immediately stop all military operations in Gaza.
ISRAEL WILL DEFEND ITSELF TODAY
Israel will respond to genocide allegations at the second hearing to be held today at the Palace of Justice in The Hague. The Israeli delegation, led by former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak, will try to convince the court panel by presenting its arguments against the accusation of genocide.
In his statement before the hearing, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the allegations against his country and said that Israel would retain the right to defend itself against Hamas. Claiming that they are “fighting terrorists and lies,” Netanyahu described Hamas as “murderous terrorists who committed crimes against humanity.”
The Israeli Prime Minister also accused South Africa of “hypocrisy”.
According to Netanyahu, South Africa turned a blind eye while millions of people in Syria and Yemen were killed or displaced by Hamas partners.
WHAT DECISIONS MAY BE MADE BY THE COURT?
Following Israel’s defense today, the International Court of Justice will decide on the request of the Tel Aviv administration to stop all military activities in Gaza.
The Republic of South Africa demands an urgent injunction to stop all Israeli military activities in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice will also decide whether to discuss the case regarding South Africa’s genocide allegations on its merits.
This is a decision of great importance for Israel. Because, an application can only be made to the International Court of Justice once regarding genocide or other accusations.
If South Africa does not provide sufficient evidence of genocide in Gaza, Israel will never be accused of genocide again.
HOW WILL ISRAEL BE AFFECTED?
If the court finds South Africa’s claims sufficient and agrees to discuss the case on its merits, this will be a great loss of prestige for Israel in the international arena.
Genocide Law expert Prof. from Leiden University in the Netherlands. Dr. According to Larissa van den Herik, Israel’s international reputation is at stake.
Van den Herik told Dutch public broadcaster NOS that the court’s conviction would further isolate Israel.
The Dutch professor evaluated the lawsuit filed by South Africa as a huge failure for Israel and said that Israel would do its best to limit the damage.
At today’s hearing, Israel is expected to emphasize its “obligation to protect its own people against Hamas’ attacks.”
However, Prof. Dr. Van den Herik pointed out that this cannot be a justification for all kinds of violence and said, “The right to self-defense is not unlimited. This does not mean that you can do anything.”
