South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will proceed as planned. The presidency announced on Tuesday that South Africa will file a memorial next month.
“South Africa intends to provide facts and evidence to prove that Israel is committing the crime of genocide in Palestine,” the statement noted.
The case will persist until the ICJ reaches a decision. South Africa also expressed hope that Israel will comply with the court’s provisional orders issued thus far.
This announcement comes amidst reports that Israeli diplomats are lobbying US Congress members to urge South Africa to withdraw the case.
South Africa views the case as part of a global effort to achieve peace in the Middle East. Countries including Türkiye, Nicaragua, Palestine, Spain, Mexico, Libya, and Colombia have joined the case, which began public hearings in January.
South Africa initiated the case at The Hague in late 2023, accusing Israel of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention.
In May, the ICJ ordered Israel to cease its offensive in Rafah, marking the third such order amid escalating casualties exceeding 40,000 in Gaza.