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South Africa has sought an order from the International Court of Justice to stop Israel's operation in Gaza's Rafah town. South African lawyers made this request at the hearing of the case filed against Israel on Thursday.
South Africa filed a case at the International Court of Justice in December last year, alleging that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians living in Gaza. The 84-page document presented by South Africa said Israel's actions were “genocidal in character.” Because they want to destroy a large part of the Palestinians living in Gaza. The first phase of the case was heard in January.
South African lawyers told Thursday's hearing that Israel was aware of the views of UN bodies on the consequences of the military assault on Rafah. The country knows what the court has ordered in this regard. Yet Israel's leaders continue to incite genocide and express intent to commit genocide. In doing so, Israel has not only disregarded its obligations as a state party to the Genocide Convention, but has also defied this Court and threatened the rule of law.
Tembeka Ngkukaitobi, a member of the South African Lawyers Panel, said Israel was continuing the genocide despite 'clear warnings' about the consequences. Palestinian lives are on the brink of total destruction.
Seeking a court order to stop Israel's operation in Rafah, he said, 'For the Palestinians to be able to continue to exist as a protected group under the Genocide Convention, they need a place from which to rebuild … Rafah is that place, the last stand. Without Rafah, the possibility of rebuilding (Gaza) will be lost forever.'
