Photo courtesy of Anadolu
South Africa has formally accused Israel of failing to comply with three binding orders issued by the International Court of Justice in the genocide case over Gaza.
Pretoria said it submitted an evidence dossier to the court on Tuesday, arguing that Israel had not carried out measures ordered by the ICJ in January, March and May 2024.
The South African government said it would continue pursuing available legal avenues to compel compliance with the Genocide Convention.
It warned that Palestinian rights in Gaza could be irreparably harmed before the court issues a final ruling, raising concerns about the effectiveness and credibility of the judicial process.
The filing cited figures showing at least 73,407 Palestinians killed and 174,335 injured as of August, while also alleging widespread detention, torture, sexual violence and other forms of mistreatment.
South Africa further accused Israel of obstructing documentation and scrutiny by killing journalists and restricting access for UN-mandated investigative bodies.
Pretoria brought the case against Israel before the ICJ on Dec. 29, 2023, alleging violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention.
The ICJ later issued provisional measures requiring Israel to prevent acts covered by the convention, allow humanitarian measures and, in May 2024, halt its military offensive in Rafah under the conditions set out by the court.